Personal development is all about improving yourself; mentally (mind), emotionally (heart), spiritually (spirit) and physically (body). Personal development endeavours to assist individuals in becoming the person they would like to be, which can involve developing your full potential through realising your dreams, aspirations, career and lifestyle priorities and also learning techniques to have the power to improve your quality of life.

Considering whether to go back to education, may be a daunting experience for adult learners.  There can be a number of factors which may cause anxiety e.g. concerns about your age, lack of formal qualifications or thoughts such as “I’ve been out of education for so long – I won’t be able for the course”, “I won’t fit in” or “I’ve left it too late to go back to education.”  From our experience in the Guidance Service, one of the major benefits, for adults when returning to education, is an increase in self confidence.  This webpage aims to provide some pointers to assist in easing your transition back to education.

ETB Adult Education centres run a wide range of personal and social development evening classes, twice a year (normally in September and January).  Please contact the Adult Education Organiser in the centres listed below for further information on the courses which will be running in their centres:

Certain centres offer specific personal development courses, perhaps based in a holistic setting.  Courses are offered in areas such as stress management, life skills and personal development.  Examples of these centres locally include.

Many community and outreach centres offer the QQI Level 3 module; Personal and Interpersonal skills. This module covers areas such as self-awareness, decision making and assertive communication. Also, communication modules at QQI Level 3 and Level 5, cover non-verbal and visual communication, learning to learn, personal interaction, listening and speaking, reading and writing amongst other learning outcomes.

Private providers can also provide courses in public speaking and communication skills. Voluntary groups such as Toastmsters help participants develop communication skills in an informal manner.

A final suggestion is to start at a level of education at which you are comfortable and you will have the option to progress.  The ‘Return to learning courses‘ section provides some pointers on taking your first steps back into education.