Kilcar Woman Overcomes Computer Fear, Lands Payroll Job Quickly

UPDATE: In a remarkable turn of events, a woman from Kilcar has transformed her life by overcoming a long-standing fear of computers and securing a full-time job in payroll. Linda Morrow Lyons, a former Civil Engineer, had not used a computer in over a decade while raising her children.

With her children now teenagers, Linda decided it was time to refresh her skills. In 2022, she enrolled in a two-year Level 5 eBusiness and Digital Marketing course through Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training Service in Drumcliff, Donegal Town. To her astonishment, she was offered a job at the Fisherman Out of Ireland factory before completing her course, managing payroll for over 40 employees.

Linda’s journey began when her training coordinator, Caroline Gillespie, encouraged her to apply for the role. Just days later, she received the job offer. Linda expressed her gratitude, stating, “I would recommend this course for the craic alone!”

The eBusiness program was not just a pathway to employment; it was crucial for rebuilding Linda’s confidence and independence. “My whole confidence was gone sitting at home looking after children,” she revealed. “So much had changed in the ten years I was off that if I went back to Civil Engineering, I would need to update my skills.”

Initially intimidated by technology, Linda found the eBusiness course comprehensive, covering everything from ICDL (including Word and Excel) to digital marketing, bookkeeping, and web authoring. The hands-on training allowed students to engage in teamwork and projects that simulated real-world work environments, which was essential for practical learners like Linda.

Linda had contemplated leveraging her QQI qualifications to pursue a Level 8 degree in Civil Engineering or Fire Safety Engineering. However, the opportunity to work just 5 kilometers from home was too good to pass up. She seized it, marking a significant shift in her career trajectory.

The course also included a sustainability module that resonated deeply with Linda, a former environmental education officer. She appreciated the focus on recycling and environmental strategies for local businesses, stating, “Sustainability benefits a business financially and adds structure and order to the place.”

Linda’s newfound skills even led her to embrace Excel, a tool she now uses daily in her payroll position. The face-to-face training provided by the program reassured her, allowing immediate questions and support. “I am a practical learner, and the course gives that face-to-face contact to ask questions and get the answer straight away,” she noted.

Career guidance was another vital aspect of the course, helping students navigate the complexities of modern job applications. “When I started writing CVs 30 years ago, they have changed so much from what you give in now,” Linda remarked, emphasizing the importance of staying current.

Before Easter 2024, Linda was grateful for the chance to leave her course early to begin her new role. She is no longer fearful of computers and has gained confidence, independence, and even created beautiful knitwear in her hometown.

For those interested in pursuing similar opportunities, Donegal ETB is offering a new Level 4 Pathway to eBusiness course this year, along with a part-time Level 5 Bookkeeping and ICDL Spreadsheets course at the Donegal Town FET centre in Drumcliff. These programs are designed to equip students with essential skills needed for high-level programs and careers in business.

Linda Morrow Lyons’ story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to conquer fears and pursue new career paths.