The initiative is in response to the need to offer Second chance education to those considering returning to education or create options for those coming to college for the first time.

GMIT has announced the opening of a drop-in service at its Dublin Road campus to provide assistance and advice to unemployed people wishing to enter third-level programmes in GMIT this September.

The Drop-in Service is the first point of contact for members of the general public who are unsure what GMIT course best suits their needs, current qualifications, skills and past experience.

It will provide them with an opportunity to receive both general and specialist information from relevant staff members, with the view to applying for a programme for the coming academic year (2009/10).

The Drop in desk will be located at the old reception in the GMIT Dublin Road campus.

Rosie Curry, Co-ordinator of the GMIT Lifelong Learning Centre, says: "This initiative is a response to the recent rise in local unemployment and the need to offer "second chance" education to those considering returning to education or create options for those coming to college for the first time.

"It’s open to anyone who has been made unemployed or had their working hours reduced, and will be manned by experienced administrators and representatives from all programme disciplines.

"People can expect to receive one-to-one guidance on what courses are available to them and what they are eligible to apply for in GMIT. Entry requirements, applications procedures and student support will all be explained and the enquiry will also be dealt with by the relevant department."

In addition to the drop in service operating, the college will hold two separate Open Evenings at its Dublin Road campus to deal with public queries on GMIT programmes commencing in September.

There are programmes available in Business, Humanities (Creative Arts), Hotel, and Lifelong Learning, Science, Engineering and Technology programmes.

During the year, all GMIT academic departments are open to take public queries. Telephone the GMIT Reception 091- 753161 and ask to be put through to the relevant schools.

For more information on this Drop-in Service, please email Rosie Curry, GMIT, rosie.curry@gmit.ie and/or Michael Hannon, Assistant Registrar, GMIT, tel. 091- 742188, email Michael.hannon@gmit.ie