Two graduates who have recently completed courses run by the University of Leicester's Centre for Labour Market Studies (CLMS) write on their experiences.

According to Mario Casha, who obtained a Diploma in Training & Development: "The diploma course in HRD has helped me to gain competences and skills in HR practices.

"I am involved in training with Heritage Malta and lacked the necessary knowledge in HRD. The past three years of study with the University/FHRD have provided me with the tools to deliver my duties more professionally.

"At my mature age it is more difficult to undertake the assignments in the modules but I took the challenge and today I am pleased that I was successful, with FHRD's encouragement and especially that of our ex CEO."

Mark Calleja - M.Sc. in Training & HRM: "I enrolled in the course with the idea enhancing my CV... however, throughout the course I started thinking seriously about the career...

"Having a background in the caring field, I was under the impression that the course was only aimed at prospective HR practitioners or trainers employed in business organisations. But the course offers much more than business strategies or principles...

"It opens new horizons and sets you thinking about fresh employment opportunities... The modules throughout the course enabled me to sustain my opinion that learning was a gift that enables the degree holder to better understand the world around him and contribute according to his potential.

"Moreover, the fact that the University of Leicester is a leading UK university with high quality education adds more pride in your degree."

A new intake of CLMS distance learning courses ranging from certificate, to diploma, Master's and doctorate, is due to start on May 7.

For more information contact Daniela Gouder on dgouder@fhrd.org or phone 2138-1786.

All certificates, diplomas, masters and doctorate programmes offered by the CLMS, University of Leicester (UK), are recognised by the Academic Credentials Evaluation Board (ACEB) within the Malta Qualification Recognition Information Centre.