Broaden your horizons

Have you ever considered a career as a pre-school teacher? Or perhaps, you would like to be trained as a professional secretary, a vacancy that many companies seek to fill. Do you need to do a quick Computer Course to get your basics right before you get a job? If travelling is your passion, maybe a course in airline ticketing and reservations could bring the right opportunities your way.

The Ladies' College Department of Vocational Studies, which celebrates their 25th Anniversary this year, offers all these prospects and more. Whether you are looking for a career path, a short-term course to brush up your skills – or a creative venture such as fabric painting or interior designing – the Department has a variety of courses to help you reach your goals. Take a look and see if one of these could be the gateway to your aspirations.

Diploma in Pre-School Teacher Training
If you love kids and have the enthusiasm, patience and stamina to be a teacher, this could be the beginning of a rewarding career. Students are trained in all aspects of the Pre-School method of teaching. The course involves a number of practical assignments such as observation at pre-schools, preparing story books for children and practical art work. The curriculum includes early childhood development, language development, child psychology and games for children. On completion of this course, students will be able to apply for positions in any pre-school, or even start their own pre-schools.

Duration: 1 year, Weekdays 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Registration: 1000/-
Fees: 40,000/- + VAT

Diploma in Learning Disabilities
Children with special needs are often neglected in the average classroom. This course trains teachers on how to identify and handle those children with particular learning disorders such as dyslexia. Many parents also benefit from this course.

Duration: 20 weeks, Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration: 500/-
Fees: 14,000 + VAT

Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers
If you are a teacher looking for a professional qualification to brush up your skills, this could be a wonderful opportunity. This is a newly introduced course for practicing teachers and is conducted in affiliation with the University of Cambridge International Examinations. The course consists of four modules - Design, Practice, Assessment and Evaluation. Assignments are set by the University of Cambridge and sent to them online for evaluation. Apart from improved practice and a flexible approach, this course gives teachers an internationally recognised qualification that will assist those interested in opportunities abroad as well. Loan facilities may be available for the right candidates.

Duration: 1 year, alternate Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Registration: 113 pounds
Fees: 40,000 + VAT

Diploma in Secretarial Studies
"This is a high profile course that trains students to be able to handle the responsibilities of assisting the top most person in a company", says Malathi Algama, co-ordinator of the course. She adds that there is a high demand for such professionals in the country. The course is designed to train those who already have a sound knowledge of English in all areas of secretarial responsibility as well as provide a broader perspective through social and cultural education.

The course content includes office skills, English and various aspects of personal growth and development. On completion, there is also the option of branching out into fields such as marketing, human resource management or customer care.

Duration: 9 months
Registration: 1,000/-
Fees: 25,000/- + VAT
The Department also conducts a certificate course in Secretarial Studies for working people

Computer Course
You have a PC, and can easily type a letter and surf the net - but you'd like to learn a bit more? A thorough grounding in basic computer skills is given to students in this course which covers Microsoft Office 2000, including Internet and E-mail.

Duration: 40 hours
Registration: 500/-
Fees: 5,700/- + VAT

Airline Ticketing and Reservations
Dream holidays and exotic destinations – may not be as farfetched as you think. This course helps students gain an overall knowledge of the Airline Industry as well as other aspects such as customer service. On completion, they are able to obtain jobs as Travel Agents or Ticketing Officers.

Duration: 14 weeks Saturdays 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Registration: 500/-
Fees: 10,000/- + VAT

Certificate in Home Economics
Perhaps the homemaker's career is the most important – yet often underrated – of all. This course, immensely popular among school leavers, teaches a range of skills from cookery to home management that will help future wives and mothers effectively run their homes, as well as engage in self-employment. Nutrition and Dietetics, Marriage and Family and Personal Grooming are a few of the course contents. The Department also has a 'Certificate in Life Skills' course, which is for just 6 weeks and covers selected components of the above course.

Duration: 3 months, weekdays
Registration: 1,000/-
Fees: 20,000/- + VAT

Leisure Time Courses...
Just as the name indicates – courses to be followed at your leisure, to fulfill those creative urges and perhaps build fascinating careers, or simply beautify your own surroundings.

Interior design and table décor
Play with colours and shape, moods and illusions…turn your world into one of loveliness with a few simple techniques, by learning the secrets of interior decorating in this course. Many students come for personal fulfillment, says course lecturer, Kamini Witharane, others launch their own careers, sometimes branching into areas such as curtaining or pantry designing. The course covers a wide range of subjects, such as professional lighting methods, décor for each room in the house, formal dining, etiquette and manners.

The art of table décor gives the confidence needed to entertain with flair and glamour without straining the budget.
Duration: 3 months, Mondays 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Registration: 1,000/-
Fees: 6,000/- + VAT

Flower arranging
Flower arrangement is an expression of beauty - an opportunity to bring out the individual creativity and sparkle within you. The course gives guidelines while encouraging students to challenge the rules with their own creations.

Duration: 8 lessons, weekdays
Registration: 500/-
Fees: 4,000 + VAT

Dimensional Embroidery Brazilian Work
Learn to create three dimensional images on fabrics with this unique method of embroidery. Popularly used for wall hangings, it is also used on children's and ladies' clothes.

Duration: 5 lessons
Registration: 500/-
Fees: 3,000/- + VAT

Patchwork/Applique Quilting
Master the art of blending different fabrics and mixing and matching to your heart's content to create works of beauty in ten easy lessons. Turn out the quilts, tablecloths, cushion covers and so on which you've always wanted in your home. The course requires that you bring along materials such as various cloths, stationery and needles and thread.

Duration: 10 lessons
Registration: 1,000/-
Fee: 4,750/-

Fabric Painting, Paper Tole Pictures, Parchment Craft, Pottery Painting
You've seen them everywhere – beautiful wall hangings, exquisite hand-painted fabrics, outrageous designs on clay pots - and have been itching to try out your own creations. This course will teach you everything you need to know. Have lots of fun with paints, cloth, glue and clay as you bring out the artist in you.

Duration: 8 lessons per craft
Registration: 500/- per craft
Fee: 4,000/- + VAT per craft