St. Patrick’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Pádraig in Irish, is celebrated across on the 17th of March to commemorate the day of St. Patrick’s death.

Saint Patrick was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century and was later kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped, but eventually returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to the country and its people. During his life, St. Patrick became a priest founding schools, churches and monasteries throughout the county before his death on March 17th, 461 A.D.

In the centuries following his death, many legends were created about St. Patrick and the mythology surrounding his life has become weaved into Irish culture. The most well-known stories surrounding the legend of St. Patrick are that he drove all the snakes out of Ireland and explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of the native Irish clover, the Shamrock. The Shamrock has gone on to become the national symbol of Ireland since the 18th century and the custom of wearing it on St. Patrick's day is still observed by many today.

Fun fact: Many people believe the national colour of Ireland is green, however, this is actually not correct. Although blue is technically the official colour of Ireland, after the Irish Rebellion of 1798 green became associated with Ireland to help differentiate the soldier’s uniforms from the various blues and reds of England, Scotland and Wales. It has remained this way since and now the colour green is seen as the de-facto colour of the Emerald Isle.

Wishing you all a safe & happy St. Patrick's Day!

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on the 8^th of March to celebrate the social, economic, cultural & political achievements of women!

The theme for 2023 set out by the UN is ‘DigitALL: Innovation & Technology for Gender Equality’. The purpose of this subject is to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions that women and young girls are making to technology and online learning.

It is in this context that International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th is our annual invitation to reflect on the role that gender plays in our lives, work, and our planet.

#EmbraceEquality

It’s that very special day… Pancake Tuesday!!

Ingredients:
100g plain flour
1 medium egg
285ml milk
12g butter
Pinch of salt
Oil for frying

Method:

1. Sieve flour & salt into a bowl. Make a well in the centre, drop in the unbeaten egg and half the milk.

2. With a wooden spoon/ whisk beat until the batter is smooth.

3. Stir in the remaining milk & melted butter.

4. Lightly coat the base of a frying pan with oil and let the pan get hot.

5. Pour enough batter into pan to cover the bottom & tilt so it is evenly covered.

6. Flip your pancake & cook until nice and golden.

7. Add your toppings and enjoy!

What is your favourite topping to have on pancakes? Are you sweet or savory?

From candlelit dinners to chocolate and red roses, the 14^th of February is the day of love and romance. However, did you know that the Saint who the day is named after is buried under our very own feet here in Dublin.   

St. Valentine was a 3^rd century Roman saint who born around 226 AD. Even since the Middle Ages, his day has been associated with a tradition of love and romance. He died on February 14^th and his remains were buried in Rome, so how is he connected to Dublin? You have to go all the way back to the 1800’s and one Irish priest named Father John Spratt.  

Spratt was a well-known preacher of his day, and one of his many fans was Pope Gregory XVI. After being invited to speak at a church in Rome, the Pope gifted Spratt with the remains of St. Valentines and a vial of his blood. The remains were kept in a small wooden box wrapped in white ribbon. Spratt arrived back in Ireland with the remains of St. Valentine in 1836. Ever since that day, the remains of St. Valentine have been on display in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin city centre. 

While the likes of Paris and Milan may consider themselves the cities of love, it is Dublin that has Valentine's true remains.

Access to education is a fundamental human right for all, which is why January 24^th marks International Day of Education to commemorate the significance of education in fostering peace and progress.

On this day, let’s celebrate the power of education and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every person has the right to access education!

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year in the traditional Chinese calendar. One of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, it marks the end of Winter and the beginning of the Spring season. This year, the 22^nd of January will mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  

In 2023, we celebrate the year of the rabbit! If you are born in the year 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951 or 1939 then your Chinese zodiac is the rabbit! The rabbit is viewed as the luckiest of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac – it symbolizes mercy, elegance and beauty. 

新年快乐

As if we didn’t need any more proof that Dublin is the best city, it has recently been announced that Dublin was voted the 4^th best city in the world for culture! This data was pulled by Tripadvisor as part of their Travellers Choice Awards to create a list to find the top destinations, as chosen by the global travel community.  

Coming in first place on the list for culture was Fes in Morocco, followed by Jerusalem and then Athens. Dublin beat out other cities such as Jaipur, Budapest and Berlin! 

Below are the reasons behind Dublin winning 4^th place for the best city in the world: 

"You've probably heard that Guinness tastes better in Dublin (fresh from the factory), but what you may not know is that Dublin is a perfect destination for the whole family. No, we're not suggesting you let the kiddies drink a pint. Instead, take them to the Dublin Zoo, to feed the ducks in Stephen's Green or on a picnic in Phoenix Park. Scholars enjoy walking in the literary footsteps of such writers as Yeats and Joyce, while discerning shoppers have their pick of designer boutiques." 

The Dorset College learners are lucky to be in the perfect location to experience all the amazing culture Dublin has to offer.  

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3v4hkusz  

As of January 1st 2023, the national minimum wage in Ireland has been increased to €11.30!

This is great news for students, allowing them to earn and save more money while working here in Ireland. In 2022 the Government announced their determination to improve the rights and protections afforded to workers.

Announcing the increase in the Minimum Wage the Tánaiste said “We want to reward work and ensure that work pays more. Minimum wage workers are among the hardest working people in Ireland and deserve to be paid more, particularly at a time of rising prices“.

We welcome these changes for all our learners!

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1786c-national-minimum-wage-increase-1-january/

Translating to ‘Women’s Christmas’, Nollaig na mBan falls on the 6^th of January and for many Irish households it marks the official end of the Christmas season. With women traditionally taking on most of the housework in the past, this was the day that men would take over and allow the women to rest. In the modern day, women generally meet up together and go out to acknowledge the role and accomplishments of women in our society.

How would you celebrate Nollaig na mBan?

On behalf of Dorset College Dublin we would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year.

Cheers to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2023!

The Irish are well-known for their love of Christmas time. Between the festive lights, to the beautifully decorated shop windows, you can't help but feel the festive spirit all around the Emerald Isle. The Irish have many traditions that they love and cherish and Christmas time is no different!  

Whether you are living in Ireland, or planning your festive trip over, it is good to know some of the Christmas traditions loved by the Irish! 

Toy Show:

To start it has to be The Late Late Toy Show! This tradition is still loved by everyone all across Ireland, no matter your age. It signals the official beginning of the Christmas period and puts everyone in the festive spirit. More importantly, the Toy Show is a reason for families and friends to get together for an evening and have a few laughs.  

December 8^th:

There are two Irish Christmas traditions associated with the date, the 8^th of December, in Ireland. The first is the more traditional of the two, and that is putting up the Christmas tree and decorations in your home. From this date onwards, you will really start to notice all the decorations going up! The second tradition on the 8^th revolves around shopping! On this day many families travel up to the capital to do their Christmas shopping - some people even take the day off work or school! 

The 12 Pubs of Christmas:

The 12 Pubs of Christmas (‘12 Pubs’) is the annual drinking game popular during the festive season. Predominately used as an excuse for a group of pals to get together and enjoy a few drinks before they return home for Christmas, it has become a staple during this time of the year. Dressed up in your best Christmas jumpers, you follow a route and have a drink at each pub along the way. Although only few ever finish, it is a great reason to get your friends together for a night out. 

Candle in the Window:

One of the more common Christmas traditions in Ireland is placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve. Symbolically, the candle represented a welcome to Joseph and Mary as they wandered in search of a place to stay. This candle would be a signal to strangers that there would be an offering of food or shelter if needed.  

Treats for Santa & his Reindeers:

The old tradition we have all heard since we were kids was to leave out milk and cookies for Santa Clause to enjoy during his night of worldwide travels. However, in Ireland we like to put our own spin on it. Children leave out some interesting treats for Santy, including a pint of Guinness, mince pies (pastry tarts with candied fruits inside) and a big carrot for all the reindeer. 

A Christmas Swim:

One of the more ‘chilling’ festive traditions is the annual Christmas Day swim. As you can imagine, the weather in Ireland is pretty chilly this time of the year and the water is ice cold. Many families and friends meet at their local beach and jump in for a swim. This is usually done for charity, but it's one way to wake the body up! 

Nollaig na mBan:

Translating to ‘Women’s Christmas’, this day falls on the 6^th of January and marks the official end of the Christmas season. With women traditionally taking on most of the housework in the past, this was the day that men would take over and allow the women to rest. It was also the day that all the Christmas decorations were taken down and put away. The celebration of Nollaig na mBan is now seen as a day for ladies to come together and celebrate their hard work over the past year. 

Nollaig Shona Duit!

Nothing beats the atmosphere of a festive Christmas market – the music, seasonal foods, tempting aromas and beautiful gifts to browse as you walk around. Originating in Germany, these markets began as humble street stalls which were associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. 

Christmas markets are hugely popular across the world, but are now gaining a steady popularity in Ireland. The sights and smells of the market stalls are becoming a festive tradition for families and friends, and is gradually becoming a December main-stay on the Emerald Isle.  

Christmas markets can be one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit! Soak up all the Christmas cheer with a visit to one (or more!) of Irelands best markets taking place this year.  

Dublin (8^th – 21^st December): 

Set in the heart of Dublin city centre, Christmas at the Castle is based in the historic courtyard of Dublin Castle and has something for everyone. Featuring a boutique open-air market with live music, you can enjoy the holiday atmosphere with some onsite food vendors and Christmas drinks from the bar. The market will be filled with 30 traditional market stalls featuring a wide array of decorative crafts to help you with your Christmas shopping. 

Galway (12^th November – 22^nd December): 

Widely regarded as the best Christmas market in Ireland, 2022 marks the thirteenth year of the market in Galway. The Galway market transforms Eyre Square into a magical Winter wonderland featuring stalls, food, beverages, gifts and goods from all of Europe. It’s the perfect place for a day trip to the West, or to make a weekend out of it.  

Belfast (19^th November – 22^nd December): 

The Belfast Christmas Markets is another of the more popular Christmas markets Ireland has to offer, and it has been on the go for over 11 years now! Each year, Belfast’s City Hall is transformed into a traditional German-style market, packed to the brim with 90 masterfully handcrafted wooden chalets. At the markets expect to find a big food court with cuisines from 32+ nationalities, family activities, attractions and so much more.  

Waterford (18^th November – 23^rd December): 

Waterford Winterval is a popular Christmas market in Ireland which goes from strength to strength each year. Visitors here can expect everything from the big market, ice-skating rink, the illuminates feature and the iconic 32-meter-high Waterford Eye. This market boats various events, with most being free admission.  

Cork (22^nd November – 8^th January): 

‘Glow’ is Cork city’s annual Christmas markets full of festive celebration. The festival has something for everyone, including their anticipated light display and Ferris wheel. This is the perfect market to sightsee Cork City and visit a Christmas market at the same time.  

Kilkenny (26^th November – 23^rd December): 

The Kilkenny Christmas Market is often viewed as one of the more overlooked markets in Ireland around Christmas, but it is well worth checking out! The market returns as part of Yulefest Kilkenny and takes place over weekend and Christmas week in December. Local artisans and craftspeople will be displaying their products, and there will be food stalls, live music, open air movie nights and much more. 

Wicklow (19^th November – 18^th December): 

The Wicklow Christmas Market takes place in the Abbey Grounds in Wicklow town. Those who visit can expect a Santa experience, craft stalls, food and fire show and many other festive activities for all the family. Food vendors will have culinary delights from all over the world, and 50+ stalls to get the all-important Christmas shopping done. The market is to be enjoyed by all so entry is free of charge. 

We hope you enjoy seeing and experiencing all the Christmas markets that Ireland has to offer!  

On the 30th of November, Dorset College Dublin celebrated the Conferring Ceremony for the Class of 2022! Our learners come from all different countries, cultures and backgrounds, but today they came together to celebrate the one aspect they all have in common - they are officially Dorset College Graduates.

The excitement on the day was palpable and this was evident from all the smiling faces showing just how important this day was for all involved. The Graduation Day is one of the most highly anticipated events throughout the year, and this was clear with the enthusiasm from our learners this year. Both students and staff look forward to Graduation Day and this year was no different!

This year the Graduation Conferring ceremony took place at the Hogan Stand in the famed Croke Park stadium. This stadium has been home to many famous sporting events and concerts throughout its history, and it felt only fitting to be the venue for the Dorset College Graduation ceremony. As our students made their way into the venue they received their robes and got their professional pictures taken. The laughs and cheers from the students as they found their classmates, taking in this moment together, was incredibly special. With the Graduation so close to December, it was only fitting for everyone to get pictures in front of all the Christmas trees.

Following on from your Graduation, we invite you to stay in touch with Dorset College and connect with your peers through the Dorset College Alumni Network, an online platform which enables Alumni to stay connected with Graduates across the globe and expand professional networks. As you continue to make your mark on the world, we encourage you to keep us updated on all the great achievements in your life. 

As Steve Jobs once said 'Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied, is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it'.

We thank our new Graduates for choosing to study with us and officially becoming Dorset College Alumni. To our Graduates; this is not the end of your education journey, but rather just the beginning of a path to life-long learning. On behalf of Dorset College, we congratulate all our Graduates and wish you all the best in your future successes.

#WeAreDorset

Follow us on Social Media:

• Instagram - @dorsetcollegedublin
• LinkedIn - @dorset-college-dublin

Yesterday evening Dorset College was joined by Sarah Trevenna, the Admissions Tutor for Adult Nursing at the University of Southampton in the UK. Sarah came to speak with our Healthcare & Nursing Studies learners to discuss possible progression pathways for them once they achieve their QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support or Nursing Studies qualification from Dorset College Dublin.  

A 'Learning Pathway' maps how a learner’s understanding and skills can progressively be strengthened and deepened through education. This was a key topic Sarah talked through with our students and discussed the possible plan of them moving to the UK for them to continue their learning journey within the healthcare sector.  

With the University of Southampton School of Nursing being ranked 5^th in the world and 2^nd among UK universities (QS World University Rankings, 2022), our students would be in the best hands possible. Being equip with a Level 5 qualification from Dorset College, our learners would meet the typical academic entry requirements and could apply.

If you would be interested in studying a Healthcare programme at Dorset College Dublin, please email [email protected].

*All applications submitted before the end of 2022 will receive a 10% discount. Apply now to secure your place!

Find out more about the Healthcare programmes avaliable at Dorset College Dublin: https://dorset.ie/healthcare-science/

The Christmas countdown for many Irish households will officially begin this Friday, the 25^th of November after The Late Late Toy Show airs on television.  

The Late Late Toy Show is an annual, special edition episode of the Irish chat show The Late Late show. Typically airing near the end of November to coincide with the holiday shopping season, the Toy Show showcases all the popular toys with young kids that year. It is presented by the host accompanied by various children as ‘toy-testers’ and celebrity guests. All the toys bought for the show are donated to children's charities across the country just in time for Christmas!  

The Toy Show began in 1975 as a half-hour slot at the end of the The Late Late Show as a way to give parents across Ireland some gift ideas while the kids were sleeping. Since then, it has become a cultural institution in Ireland and is often the most watched programme of the year!  

People of all ages come together every year on a Friday evening in November to watch the Toy Show and kick off their Christmas season! Will you be watching this year? 

Dorset College Dublin were recently joined by one of our partner schools, De Vinci, as they held their Careers Networking event for their learners. At this event, various big name companies such as Primark, Shamrock Media Ltd and Hopscotch Agency were all there to speak and network with the French students.

Will many of the Semester Abroad learners finishing up their time in Dublin, this was a great opportunity for them to speak, network and advance their career prospects with these companies. Whether it be an internship, work experience or a full-time role, we hope this event helped their professional career in some way.

As the largest employer in Ireland with over 120,000 employees, the Irish Health Service has an excellent reputation for providing quality nursing care, and is ideally suited to the development of a rewarding and respected career in nursing. By joining the HSE (Health Service Executive) you will benefit from the opportunity to get highly insightful experience as you develop your career within the nursing sector. With the demand for healthcare staff so high, this is a great chance to come to Ireland and build your career.

A nurse based in Ireland can work in both the private and public sector, widening their job search and future opportunities. Recent reports from the Government and independent corporations revealed that the number of applications and hires in the Irish healthcare sector increased massively over the past two years. There is a huge demand for staff across the health sector, especially after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and a growing need for healthcare services. This can be seen in Ireland, with Dr Noirín Russell, clinical director for Cervical Check Ireland, describing those working in the nursing sector as ‘the most valuable asset’ to the Irish healthcare system.  

By the end of 2020, there were over 1,700 more nurses and almost 900 more doctors working in the HSE compared to the end of 2019. With countries across the globe still coming to terms with the pandemic and all its consequences, the demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to increase. With other professions, such as healthcare, midwifery and social workers also deemed eligible for an employment permit, Ireland will be an increasingly popular choice for applicants from both EU and non-EU countries. This high demand for staff means the opportunity for a full-time role is very high.  

The Benefits of Working in Ireland 

Nurses and midwives will find that working in the Irish Health Service provides plenty of opportunities and variety. Working alongside experienced professionals, you will have excellent opportunities for mentoring and enhancing your own personal development. 

Some benefits include: 

• Permanent contracts of employment.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.  
• Sponsorship programmes for specialist post-registration education.
• A competitive salary scale of €31,109 - €47,931 (additional pay for shifts & differentials).
• 39-hour work week.
• Excellent public service pension.
• Various employee scheme entitlements including matenrity & parental leave, shorter working year, flexible working arrangements etc.
• Travel pass with sigificant tax relief.

The essential requirements for every nurse to apply for a job in Ireland are: 

• Nursing Degree 
• English proficiency certification 
• Not being suspended or disbarred for malpractice 
• Required PIN from the NMBI (Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland)

How much does a Nurse in Ireland earn?  

Nursing and healthcare staff salaries can only be answered in general terms as it depends on a sliding scale system. As with most jobs, this can depend on experience, qualifications, specialty and so on. In the HSE, your salary will increase for every year of work you complete and the more experienced you become. Another factor that can impact this is if you work in a public or private hospital. To find out more about this pay scale, visit the HSE website: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/pay/pay-scales/  

How do I apply: 

If you are passionate about making a difference and helping people, then a career in the healthcare industry is one of the most rewarding career choices there is. Dorset College Dublin offer professional courses in Nursing studies and Healthcare Support. Both are QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) Level 5 accredited programmes and are 1 academic year long. A recognized qualification in both Nursing Studies and Healthcare Support demonstrates a broad range of skills and knowledge which allow you to progress to further education and training.  

If you are ready to start your career in the healthcare sector, you can speak with a Sales Advisor at [email protected] or visit our website: https://dorset.ie/healthcare-science/

On Saturday & Sunday (12^th-13^th November) Dublin City Council will be hosting The Smithfield Sessions in Smithfield Square for people of all ages to discover emerging musicians from jazz, classical and contemporary genres from 12 noon to 6pm on both days.

The event will showcase 8 emerging acts, and give people an opportunity to attend free masterclasses in drumming, compositions, group music-making and an intro to improvisation workshop! The Smithfield Sessions is an opportunity to enjoy the sounds of Dublin, and support artists as they grow their careers.

Showcase performances will run from 2pm to 6pm each day and are also free to attend. 

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on the 2nd of November. Translating to ‘The Day of the Dead’ it is believed that on this date the souls of the dead return to visit their living relatives. This day is celebrated by visiting the graves of passed loved ones and setting up altars with their favorite food, drinks and photos. Market stalls sell decorated skulls made of sugar or chocolate and sheets of tissue paper, cut into delicate shapes which adorn the streets. Día de los Muertos is a festive and colorful holiday celebrating the lives of those who are no longer with us. 

The indigenous people of Mexico have practiced rituals celebrating the lives of past ancestors for over 3,000 years. Día de los Muertos is a holiday of joyful celebration, rather than mourning and is a time for family and friends to gather together and pay their respects. To honour this day, families will come together to build ofrendas, which are private altars, with food, photos, memorabilia and prayers said for the departed. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear the prayers and join in the celebrations.  

The ofrendas are decorated in flowers, specifically cempasuchil, a delicate yellow-orange flower that represents grief. Their bright colours guide the spirits of the dead back to their families, and are often seen alongside La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muerto. The Lady of Death was worshipped by the Aztecs who protected their loved ones, guiding them through their final stage of life.  

Did you know that the Monarch butterfly plays an important role in Día de los Muertos! It is believed that these butterflies hold the spirits of our departed ancestors. In Michoacán, Mexico, this belief stems from the fact that Monarchs arrive for the winter every November 1^st, which coincides with Día de los Muertos! 

Día de los Muertos is a rare holiday which celebrates both life and death together. It is an annual remembrance of departed souls and commemorates death as another element of life. For Mexicans, it remains a familial tradition and a night to honour those sadly lost, allowing them back into their homes, even just for one evening. 

Dorset College hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!

A day rooted in Irish culture, it is amazing to see how this particular day is celebrated across the globe. For some learners, this was their first time experiencing Halloween in Ireland... for others, it was their first time ever celebrating!

The Dorset College team got in the spirit, and dressed up as spooky Vampires. We hope you all had a 'fang-tastic' day!

Halloween in Ireland has been celebrated for centuries and first originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain which dates back over 2,000 years. Samhain loosely translates to ‘end of summer’ and in Ireland this was an especially important festival as it marked the end of the bright half of the year and celebrated the beginning of Winter and the Celtic new year. It was also believed that on the night of the 31^st of October, the portal between the real world and the other world opened making it easy for spirits to roam the world of the living. 

People across the world celebrate Halloween and it comes with many fun traditions that we all know and love today. But did you know that most are traditionally Irish Samhain customs. Let us have a look at some of the most popular...

Bonfires: 

The Celts believed that on the eve of Halloween, dead spirits would visit the human world as it was the day that spirits could walk the earth. Due to this and the fear many people had of the ‘other-world’, large bonfires would be lit to ward off any evil spirits. The ashes of the bonfire the following day would be spread across the fields to further ward off any bad luck for the farmers over the coming year.  

Carving pumpkins: 

Although carving pumpkins has become more popular in the United States, it is a tradition that has been adopted from Ireland. Traditionally, turnips are harvested over the autumn period right up to Halloween. Faces would be carved into these turnips and left outside their homes to scare any nasty spirits. Over the years pumpkins have become much more popular due to their size and colour.  

Costumes: 

At Halloween, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. The custom of dressing up in costume comes from a Celtic tradition when people used to dress in costumes that resembled evil spirits to confuse them. The idea of this was not to dress up as something, but instead disguising oneself as a sort of countermeasure to hide from the spirits and avoid being kidnapped.  

Wearing a mask or covering yourself in a bedsheet was believed to trick the spirits. The Celts believed that if you did meet a spirit, they would not recognize you due to the disguise and let you go free. This is where the tradition of dressing up comes from. To this day, witches, goblins, and ghosts remain popular choices for Halloween costumes.  

Trick or Treating: 

The custom of ‘trick or treat’ is less joyful and dates back many years. The custom began when children would go from door to door around Halloween. They would often sing songs, say prayers or tell a joke to different households in return for food. They would typically receive a ‘soul cake’ which was flattened bread mixed with fruit. This tradition became known as ‘souling,’ which later became known as trick or treating done children across the world.  

Telling the future: 

Halloween was believed to be the best time to tell fortunes. Reading people's fortunes was a common pastime held during the Samhain period. Due to the connections with spirits and the ‘other world’ it was believed to be the most powerful time for reading fortunes. In today's age, one of the more popular ways this is practiced is through a Barnbrack. Traditionally, it is baked with a ring or coin placed somewhere inside. Whoever finds the ring is predicted to get married in the year and whoever finds the coin will receive good fortune.  

Do you know the true meaning and history behind Halloween? 

Halloween began as a pagan celebration over 2,000 years ago in Ireland as part of a festival known as ‘Samhain’. Traditionally celebrated on the 31^st of October – 1^st November, the Celtic festival of Samhain celebrates the end of the annual harvest and the coming of Winter. Samhain consisted of many different acts and rituals, all of which began in Ireland and created what we now know as Halloween! 

Why do the Irish celebrate Samhain? 

Due to the long, dark Winter nights, many believed that the 31^st of October was the day the portal between the real world and the 'other world' became blurred. This meant the Aos Sí (spirits), banshees and púkas (ghosts) could slip into our world and cause mischief.  

The good spirits, those of close friends and family members, were thought to return home and visit their loved ones on this night. communities would leave a fire burning and make a large feast. It is believed that the Celts would wear masks and costumes to disguise themselves from any other evil spirits that may be roaming around – and such created the concept of wearing costumes at Halloween - something we still see to this day!

How is Halloween celebrated in Ireland now? 

Halloween, or Oíche Shamhna in Irish, is today a fun holiday to see family and friends, dress up, play games and of course eat sweet treats! Halloween has come a long way from its origin in Ireland as the tradition festival of Samhain, but it is clear that many of its traditions remain.  

After the mass emigration of over 2 million Irish people due to the Great Famine, with them came their customs and traditions. The celebration of Samhain and the stories surrounding it remained, and is now the holiday we know and love as Halloween! 

The much anticipated Jobs Expo Ireland is returning to Dublin on Saturday the 15th of October 2022. This in-person event will be held at the Cusack Suite in Croke Park from 10AM - 4PM. This event will feature hundreds of active job positions and provide job seekers with real opportunities to network and find new employment.

This careers fair will be sponsored by Lidl Ireland and and is a free admission event, although it is highly advised to register your ticket in advance due to high demand.

What can you expect at Jobs Expo Dublin?

• Employers actively recruiting for various jobs, covering multiple employment sectors (both local and abroad).
• Specialised areas dedicated to particular industries.
• Expert discussions on how to start your own business, offering advice, support and opportunities for networking.

The Career Clinic:

Each year the Jobs Expo offer a 'Career's Clinic', which offers attendees the opportunity to meet with professional development coaches. These coaches help candidates with important topics, such as interview skills, CV presentation, employment advice and career direction.

Agenda Stage:

Job Expo Dublin's Agenda Stage will host talks on a variety of topics, including jobs seeking skills, such as using social media to help in the employment field and interview techniques, like CV writing workshops. Other seminars include talks from by industry insiders on a wide variety of career topics.

To register your place for this event, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/jobs-expo-dublin-saturday-15th-october-2022-tickets-227696104177

Follow @jobsexpoireland on Instagram to stay up to date on all Jobs Expo dates.

October 10^th marks World Mental Health Day, an awareness campaign launched in 1992 and has been celebrated annually ever since. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health issues and creates the opportunity for people to call for action and advocate for change in the mental health system.

The theme for Mental Health Day 2022 is ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing for All is a Global Priority’. The Covid-19 pandemic was a large factor in what challenged many people's mental health and this year's theme speaks to this, highlighting the importance of looking after our mental health, and making help accessible for everyone. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to reconnect and invest, promote, and improve mental health awareness for all.

Team Dorset College braved the rain last night to take part in the famous Grant Thornton 5K run around Dublin’s iconic docklands.

No matter the weather, this team were determined to pull it off!

Congrats Aoife, Daire and Colm!!

The seventeenth edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday the 23^rd of September across the country. Culture night is brought to you by the Arts Council with the aim of celebrating culture, creativity, and the arts. Culture Night connects people to cultural activities locally and nationally as a way to promote the diverse and rich culture in Ireland. 

For this very special night, doors will be opened late and unique events are specifically programmed at participating locations so you are guaranteed to find something that interests you! You can find a list of all events happening in your area on the Culture Night website and all activities are made available to the public free of charge.  

Culture Night 2022 will be delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages, rural locations and online. 

We hope you have a great night discovering and celebrating all the culture in this beautiful city. 

Visit their website: https://culturenight.ie/

Human resources is the set of people who make up the workforce of an organization, business sector, industry, or economy. The human-resources department (HR department) of an organization performs HR management, overseeing various aspects of employment, such as interviewing, collecting required documents and compliance with labor laws, and some areas of talent acquisition and employee offboarding. Those who choose to work in HR serve as the link between an organisation's management and the employees.

Employers across the country are currently finding it difficult to recruit and retain qualified talent for a wide range of roles. The increased need for talent is making it more difficult for hiring managers to secure candidates for new roles. 

Here is the list of the most in-demand roles: 

• Accounting & Finance
• Construction & Property
• Legal
• Life Sciences
• Human Resources
• Languages
• Marketing
• Office Support
• Technology
• Supply Chain

Human Resources Sector Assessment 

The demand for HR talent has increased since the middle of 2021, as the market has seen huge growth with the number of open positions outnumbering the supply of qualified candidates. In-house recruitment vacancies have witnessed a talent shift, which is creating space for job seekers looking to become recruiters.  

The initial impact of Covid resulted in fewer vacancies in the HR space as companies across the board, multinationals, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) paused recruitment and waited to assess its impact on business. The market has significantly improved since early 2021 and now that remote working practices have been shown to run smoothly, employers have more confidence to hire.  

Remote onboarding process improvements have continued this year including digitised administration and numerous online initiatives. HR is an integral part of this for new employees joining an organisation. Human resources are shaping strategies to help businesses retain existing employees and attract new talent as hiring needs increased across most industries.   

The most in-demand roles in HR are Recruitment Consultant/Talent Acquisition Specialists with a salary range between €40,000 - €90,000 per year. Going into 2022, the Talent Acquisition market remains very competitive given the shortage of experienced recruiters. Despite this shortage, employers know exactly what boxes a candidate needs to tick.

Dorset College Dublin currently offer two Human Resource programmes. The Level 3 is for those beginning their career into the field of HR and the Level 5 is for more advanced learners. Students on these courses earn a certificate recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which is a prerequisite for those wishing to enter or advance in a career within human resources. 

Those seeking employment in the Recruitment sector in 2022 or with previous experience as HR assistants or in administrative roles, are advised to begin their certification with the CIPD Foundation in People Practice – Level 3 programme. If you are a Coordinator or Leader in any industry or are seeking a career advancement in HR, then you should register for CIPD Associate People Management – Level 5 programme. 

These programmes are taught by Dorset College, who are an authorized centre by CIPD with highly certified lecturers and instructors. Live online classes are offered in both programmes during evening hours (IST) so you can study wherever you are. 

If you are ready to start your career in HR, or would like to take the next step in your industry, please contact [email protected] to speak with a Sales Advisor.

Oktoberfest is almost upon us with the popular festival starting on Saturday the 17^th of September in Munich, Bavaria. The German festival began as a wedding celebration more than 200 years ago when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony- Hildburghausen on October 10^th 1810. This wedding was celebrated for multiple days and was full of drinking beer and wine, feasting on extravagant meals, and watching horse races.

Oktoberfest is now an iconic worldwide phenomenon which is celebrated across the world, known famously for its endless supply of beer.  

Although the festival is called Oktoberfest, the majority of the events take place in September. After such spectacular parties following the royal wedding, the couple insisted the galas were repeated every October. Due to the weather, this was usually moved to September and Oktoberfest as we know it remains! 

Oktoberfest is the world's largest ‘Volksfest’ and is an important part of Bavarian culture. At these events, you will find traditional food, clothing, music, artwork... and of course beer! 

Oktoberfest in 2022 begins on Saturday, September 17, and ends on Saturday, October 1.  

Join an Oktoberfest event in Dublin: https://the-eatyard.com/oktoberfest/  

The Independence Day of Brazil (Dia da Independência) is celebrated annually on the 7^th of September, and is Brazil’s national day. This date observes Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822, and is a day of mass celebration across the country.  

Brazil’s history is a complex tale of politics and power, with Brazil’s fight for independence going as far back as the 16^th century when it was once a colony of Portugal. In the early 1800’s, France invaded Portugal and the Portuguese royal family escaped to Brazil. In 1815, Brazil was given equal kingdom status with Portugal and by 1820, the French had withdrawn from Portugal and the royal family. On September 7^th 1822, following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, a declaration of independence from Portugal was made by Pedro di Alcântara (D Pedro I), the young son of the Portuguese King.  

Brazil officially became a republic on November 15^th 1889, but kept the legendary date of September 7^th to mark its Independence Day. 140 years later, Brazil’s Independence is still celebrated to this day and officially became a public holiday in 1949.  

Parades and parties take place in most states across Brazil to celebrate this momentous day, whilst the capital Brasilia hosts military parades, air shows, firework displays and much more!  

How do you celebrate Dia da Independência where you are from? 

Feliz Sete de Setembro! 

Dorset College Dublin held their anticipated CIPD Careers Information Event on Friday 1^st July, which brought our CIPD and Business students together with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, build their confidence and focus on their career path.

Our students were greeted by a sea of blue Dorset College Dublin tote bags, and invited to chat and interact with one another before the event began. We were introduced by Eilis O’Leary, the Dean of Academic Affairs and also the MC for the evening. Those who joined us online were invited to keep their cameras on and interact as much as possible.

The event featured speakers such as Joyce Rigy-Jones, Chair of CIPD Ireland, Sarah Penaluna, Regional Careers Advisor and Raphael Roveda, Head Recruiter for Cognizant, who all discussed a variety of interesting topics. These ranged from the various roles involved in the HR field, the future of HR post-Covid and the importance of diversity within HR. Our learners were invited to speak, ask questions and network with our brilliant key speakers and lecturer’s for the evening.

With a sense of normality easing across the country, Dorset College is excited to resume running events such as our Careers Information evening. These evenings are not only a great way to gain information and network, but also an opportunity to meet and interact with your classmates and lecturers’ on a more personable level.

We can't wait to see you all at the next event!