Part-Time Business Courses Commencing January 26
All courses are offered part-time over 13 weeks. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and suitability assessment before a place is offered. Upon successful completion, students will receive a component certificate. Learners who are currently registered at Portlaoise Institute, please get in touch with the main office or student supports to register your interest in your chosen course. A full list of available courses is provided below—click on a course to learn more about its content and structure.
This award equips learners with the knowledge and skills to deliver effective customer service across work, social, or voluntary settings, operating independently under general supervision. Participants will explore the principles of customer service, understand key features of excellence including first impressions, meeting diverse customer needs, and responding to perceptions, and learn how service standards are developed and measured. The programme also covers relevant consumer legislation, making it ideal for anyone in a service environment looking to upskill and enhance their customer service capabilities.
This Course will run every Friday 9:00am-13:15pm
The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to operate effectively in a range of retail selling environments.
During the module learners will employ a range of communication skills in a retail environment to include use of active listening, product demonstration, and customer support techniques.
This course will run every Thursday 9:00am -13:15pm
Learners who successfully complete the QQI Minor Award in Digital Marketing will be able to understand the distinctive features of the web as a marketing medium, differentiate digital marketing from traditional practices, and identify strategies that integrate both approaches. They will be able to outline the stages of analysis, development, implementation, and control of digital marketing campaigns, recognize key e-tools such as social media, blogs, and rich media, and ultimately develop and implement an effective digital marketing campaign.
This course will run every Tuesday 11:15pm -15:55pm
This award provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to understand and apply the principles of Human Resource Management within an organisation. It covers the development and functions of HR, including workforce planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, motivation, and performance management. Learners will also explore health and safety, employee welfare, grievance and conflict resolution, and key employment legislation. The programme emphasizes practical application of HR tools and techniques, effective communication of HR information, teamwork, and self-evaluation to enhance organisational effectiveness and personal performance
This course will run every Monday from 11:15am -15:55pm
This award equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to manage payroll processes using both manual and computerised systems. Learners will understand relevant legislation, employee documentation, and Revenue Commissioners’ services, and will be able to complete employer tax returns and handle mid-year payroll scenarios. The program covers processing payroll for various payment types and deductions, entering and editing employee data, and producing payslips, tax forms, and management reports. Learners will also develop skills to analyse payroll data and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance within an organisational setting.
This course will run every Thursday from 9:00am -14:55pm
This award equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to create, modify, and manage databases under limited supervision. Learners will understand key database concepts such as tables, records, fields, queries, and reports, and will gain practical experience in data entry, editing, sorting, and retrieval. The programme covers designing and building queries, forms, and reports, importing external data, and developing databases based on specific design briefs. Learners will also enhance their problem-solving and performance skills by using available resources to address both familiar and unfamiliar database challenges
This course will run every Wednesday from 11:15am-15:55pm
This module provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of criminal law, its purpose, and its constitutional basis in protecting citizens. Learners will explore the classification and elements of crime, criminal participation, and the distinction between crimes and torts. The course examines the structure and procedures of the criminal justice system, including court hierarchy, arrest and detention powers, and the rights of the accused. It covers major offences such as homicide, theft, burglary, and drug-related crimes, as well as legal perspectives on issues like euthanasia and abortion. Learners will also study criminal defences and reflect on the broader impact of criminal law on individuals and society.
This course will run every Wednesday from 9:00am-13:15pm
This award equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to understand the principles and practices of business law and their impact on various business organisations. Learners will study the Irish legal system, including its sources, court structures, and the influence of EU law. The programme covers business formation and dissolution, contract law, commercial and consumer legislation, and employment and health and safety regulations. It also explores consumer rights, credit law, and dispute resolution processes. Learners will analyse how evolving Irish and EU business laws affect business operations and workplace practices.
This course will run Tuesday’s 9:00am -13:15pm
This award provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to promote and maintain health and safety in the workplace. It covers employer and employee responsibilities under current legislation, the role of the Health and Safety Authority, and the importance of communication, training, and safety statements. Learners will explore accident and fire prevention, risk assessment, use of PPE, and the safe handling of equipment and hazardous materials. The programme also addresses infection control, first aid, and factors influencing workplace safety, enabling learners to contribute effectively to a safe and healthy work environment.
This course will run every Friday 9:00am-13:15