An Accessible Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Independent Careers using a Blended – Learning Methodology

 Dr. Pio Fenton, WIT (Primary Author)  Other contributors: ◦ Ms. Angela Collins, WIT Careers Service ◦ Mr. Ciarán Cullen, Waterford County Enterprise Board ◦ Dr. Bill O Gorman, Centre for Enterprise Development and Regional Economy

 Built upon need for career opportunities in economically disadvantaged area  Aim to provide independent career options  Entrepreneurial flavour  Engender a sense of cohort  Provide practical skills and instil confidence  Blended learning for flexibility and sense of belonging

 To engender a sense of empowerment in relation to the development of one's career specifically in terms of independent careers.  Provide access to established entrepreneurs with a view to establishing grounded knowledge exchange  To establish organic networks of support linking veteran entrepreneurs and novices in a manner that is good for all involved and has beneficial outcomes for the wider community.  To provide a base of knowledge and skills that increase confidence and self-belief but that also act as a guiding rope for career development and goal-achievement.  To induce a mindset of enablement that leads participants to seek further opportunities be they training, educational, vocational or venture oriented.

 Introduction Day ◦ Keynote speaker ◦ Group Activity ◦ Engagement with mentor  Blended Learning Aspect ◦ Project Management for businesses ◦ Communication ◦ Entrepreneurship and Independent careers.  Concluding /bridging event ◦ Challenge ◦ Future paths ◦ Motivation Period

 Some General Points ◦ Inbuilt iterative approach would be useful ◦ The concept of “Disadvantage” is quite narrow ◦ Androgogy vs. Pedagogy ◦ Some duplication in places ◦ Need to outline a role for lead partner more clearly ◦ Some points in the checklists are more to do with administration of the course rather than design of the course – these should be separated more clearly ◦ Overall - a strong helpful structure for the development of a program

 Identify Interested parties  Create mainstreaming committee  Identify training needs  Integrating and evaluating feedback  Society as a stakeholder  Establishing the support network  Training needs assessment (engagement)  Mentoring role needs clarification