Line managers are responsible for managing powerful employee groups and negotiating workplace changes, which can involve introducing new technologies, new work practices and making services more responsive to the needs of users.

The Diploma in First Line Management equips them with the skills required to implement and manage such change. Crucially, as a part time course it also enables participants to fit their studies in around their work.

Oscar Traynor has already had an opportunity to put his new qualification into practice. Having previously worked for the Open Door community development project in Carlow, he was chosen to set up the Kildare West Wicklow Community Addiction Team.

The addiction team is currently hosted by Kildare County Council. Oscar was chosen to build the team from scratch and establish it as a limited company.

"The recruitment procedures and interview skills acquired from the course have proved particularly useful, " he explained. "I had previous project management experience but no formal qualification. Completing the Diploma in First Line Management underpins my on-the-job experience at a time when many employers demand recognised qualifications."

"Being able to complete the course over one year was also helpful as it keeps you in 'study mode', " he continued, adding that the reputation of the National College of Ireland is an added bonus.

"Employers want to know about the college as well as the course and NCI has a lot of credibility in the workplace."

Aoife Fitzgerald, a local Drugs Task Force co-ordinator based in Dublin said the knowledge she gained from the course has helped her carry out duties such as recruitment and staff supervision.

"I hope to secure a position nearer to my home in Carlow and I believe that having completed the Diploma in First Line Management I have increased my chances of securing such a position, " she said. "Doing the course part time over one year allowed me to implement some of the learning on the job."

This theme was taken up by Maura Tynan, who is looking forward to developing her new found expertise in her work as a community welfare officer.

"Interviewing was an area I had no previous experience in and the module on public speaking and presentation skills has developed my confidence and self esteem. The course has also heightened my awareness of legal and ethical issues and I am particularly keen to develop the quality management aspect of my job."

Maura expects her decision to take the initiative in developing her professional skills to be of benefit in future job interviews. "There would be recognition that someone has made a commitment to develop their skills outside of working time."

The Diploma in First Line Management is available at selected centres as a day release programme over one year, one half day per week.

Academic qualifications are generally not necessary and there is an emphasis on practical assignments.