Jimmy is a great example to others

Jimmy O’Brien, who has just won a major prize at a Chef Ireland competition, left school at 14 and returned to education at Training Development Agency in Bishopsgate Street, where he followed a FETAC Level 4 programme for two years.

This programme critically engages with individuals who for various reasons cannot avail of organised forms of learning delivered in a formal educational context.

From there, Jimmy progressed to Cavan College of Further Education, where he completed a level 5 Certificate in Professional Cookery.

When he graduated, he applied to DIT and entered the Level 6/7 Degree in Culinary Skills, which he is currently studying.

As part of his course, he was given the opportunity to compete in Chef Ireland Competition 2015 at CATEX and he won a prestigious award.

If young, early school-leavers are unsure as to where to go next in life, they could take a look at Jimmy’s journey.

He is a credit to himself and his family and the team in Training Development Agency are proud of him.