The Cork College of Commerce is the largest Post Leaving Certificate College in Ireland and is also the biggest provider of Vocational Preparation and Training courses in the country. It was established in 1908 by Educational and Business interests to serve the commercial education and business needs of the Cork region. Since then, it has enjoyed an excellent reputation in developing educational programmes relevant to the changing needs of society and employers. 1908 is a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Following the introduction of free education in 1967, there was a considerable but temporary increase in Junior cycle enrolment. Students then followed Group, Intermediate and Leaving Certificate programmes. The increased enrolment was reflected in the recruitment of new staff and between 1971 and 1977 seventeen new permanent teachers were recruited.

From the mid 1970’s there was a decline in first year enrolments due to the construction of new community schools in the suburbs, This decline in student enrolments provided an indication that the college would again have to adjust to a changing situation which would, in the long term, present a considerable challenge.

The early 1980’s were characterised by the introduction of new Post Leaving Certificate Vocational Preparation Training courses together with a detailed analysis and strengthening of existing ones. Since then, courses have been continuously updated and modified to meet the changing conditions of the world at work and thereby provide the optimum opportunity of securing employment for students. The majority of these courses are linked with established Professional Institutes and students take examinations set by these Institutes or exams set by the National Council for Vocational Awards.

The college has been so successful in developing courses and attracting students that it currently has a fulltime day enrolment of 2,750 students. Responding to student demand for additional places within courses, the College also avails of facilities provided in AOH, South Parish and Morrison House, all of which are a short distance from the college.

In June 1991, the last group of Post Primary students who had enrolled in the college as first years, completed their Leaving Certificate, Now, the vast majority of students are between the ages of 17 and 25. The College also have over 350 mature students following a variety of programmes, some of which have been designed specifically for them.

The Further Education Review Body will shortly meet to consider issues concerning Further Education in the College.

External links

• http://www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie