‘I gained qualifications and important life skills’

When John Connell completed his Leaving Certificate in 1993, he walked straight into a job.

“My experience of education first time around was not positive. Despite this, I did okay in my studies and I received good grades in my Leaving Certificate.

“I entered the world of work straight from school and continued to work for the same company until I was made redundant in November 2011. The company I worked for provided ...