Tourism Trails With Smart Media

The aim of the programme is to up skill a cohort of people within Waterford County to meet the demands of the tourism and landscaping enterprises that support Waterford trails network. The entrepreneurial skills module will equip learners to develop their own trails related business ideas during the programme.

Programme Objectives

On completing this Programme participants will:

• Achieve QQI Level 5 Major Award in Tourism with Business. The purpose of this award is to enable learners to independently and effectively carry out a range of functions in tourism enterprises related to Waterford’s network of trails or to progress to further/higher education and training. 
• Understanding and competence in the use of a range of digital technologies and social media platforms in a tourism context.
• Have a good understanding of heritage, cultural and activity tourism product potential on the trail routes and in the city and county. 
• Be able to identify how a trail can be developed, managed and maintained within the standards set under the Waterford Trails Development Strategy and in line with the guidelines of the National Trails Office. 
• Develop a range of hard landscaping skills needed to work in trail construction. 
• Generate an awareness of the role of community in tourism development including trail development, accommodation provision, interpretation and support services.

The programme is made up of:

5 core modules: Tourism Principles & Practice; Tourism Information and Administration; Communications; Work Experience; and Word Processing.

4 additional modules: Sport & Recreation; Entrepreneurial Skills; Hard Landscape Construction; and Digital Media Technology.

Non accredited module: Community Trail Development.

The practical nature of the training will appeal to those interested in developing careers in tourism including activity tourism, guiding, information provision and accommodation provision. Participants also develop skills in trail planning, development and construction and will be given the opportunity of working on local trails and experience trails throughout the county as part of the programme. It is anticipated the participants will finish the programme with a thorough knowledge of a network of trails within County Waterford and the tourism opportunities that stem from that network.

On successful completion, you will receive the following award:

QQI Level 5 Major Award 

Tourism with Business 5M5011

MODULES OF THE PROGRAMME

                                  Tourism Principals & Practice 5N2078                 Tourism Info & Administration 5N0636

                                         Entrepreneurial Skills 5N1951                          Digital Media Technology 4N1858

                                  Hard Landscape Construction 4N0681                         Sport & Recreation 5N2667

                                           Communications 5N0690                                      Work Experience 5N1356

                                          Word Processing 5N1358                                  Community Trail Development

"The Trails course of 2016 was a game changer for me. I came to Dunhill with a set of expectations, which were turned on their head. I finished the course with a new plan and the technical abilities to achieve my new goals.  This course is fun, interesting and worth the personal challenge.   Big thanks to all at Dunhill Multi-Education Centre for giving me a wonderful 44 week adventure in education and personal development.   15 strangers started the course together and I finish the course with 14 new friends.     If you are looking for a new direction in life, do the course, it will surprise you.  Especially the new trail of your own self discovery"

Linda McGrath, Trails Participant 2016/2017

"This course is an ideal platform for anyone with an interest in trails, the outdoors or tourism who wants to develop a wide range of skills which can be transferred to the workplace environment. The Dunhill center is motivational and encompasses a great inclusive ethos for learners across many levels and age groups."

Sinead Boyle, Trails Participant 2015/16

“This course provided a life changing opportunity to develop new skills and focus clearly on future educational and career opportunities. Dunhill Multi-Education Centre has proven to be at the forefront of local community education programmes and this particular course, has been enjoyable, enlightening and stimulating. There is a perfect balance and blend between the indoor and outdoor activities that proved to encourage and inspire all students involved in the course."

James Murray, Trails Participant 2014/15

“I was looking for a complete change of direction career-wise, and I felt the modules included in the course provided a great platform for me to progress into the tourism industry which I always had a keen interest in. My experience gained through the work-experience module gave me a great insight into the workings of a small & progressive tourism company. After completing the course I now have a lot more options available than I had before both in terms of employment and further education."

Michael Hutchinson, Trails Participant 2013/14

“As someone with outdoor recreation experience I applied for the course with an open mind and an aim to enhance the services which I provide. With the tutors support, experience and encouragement I developed ideas for a startup business. I found the whole experience enriching, and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the outdoors and tourism.”

Paudie Flynn, Trails Participant 2013/14