ADULT LEARNERS usually make good students. They tend to be enthusiastic and committed and even those who have been away from an academic environment for a long time normally thrive once they take the plunge. The 24 mature students on the computerised office skills course at Ballsbridge College of Business Studies in Dublin are no different.

Their enthusiasm for their course is palpable as is the camaraderie within the group, who range in age from early twenties to the sixties. "We decided to set up the course because we were finding a growing number of adults coming to our daytime courses which are aimed at post Leaving Cert students," says course development executive Gay O'Callaghan. "We already have a large complement of adults students at night with about 1,000 people enrolled on mainly business-related courses.

"However, we felt that a day course which would fit in with adult students other commitments and which was geared for people looking specifically for computer training for an office environment would be well received. The response to the course was very good and we could easily have filled two classes. So we may look at expanding it for next September's intake."

The course is funded by the European Social Fund so students pay only £70 for the year - this is an important consideration because a number of the group have given up jobs in order to do the course.

John Quirke went straight into the workforce after leaving school and at 23 he is one of the younger students on the course. "I had been working full-time in a photographic shop for the last four years and I had gone as far as I could go in terms of promotional prospects."

He knew nothing about computers... "I didn't have any keyboard skills and I felt they would be essential if I wanted to move on; I enjoy working and I'm itching to get a job again but I feel it was important to take the time out to do this course.

Getting back into the workforce can be difficult for women who have stayed at home to rear a family. Both Katherine Duffy and Helen Carroll are doing the course with a view to returning to work outside the home. "I've been at home for 18 years and would like a part-time job now as my children are growing up," says Duffy. "I felt my office skills needed to be updated because everything has changed with computers and this course seemed ideal. It covers both practical skills such as keyboarding and word processing but also business administration and there is a work experience component as well."

Her views are shared by Carroll who would also like to return to work. "I worked as a secretary before my children were born and, of course, the office environment has changed significantly since then. I had an interest in computers as I play bridge on the Internet and I was attracted by this course"

She felt that the content combined computer skills and office skills in a way that would be useful. "I was surprised how easily I took to the study and the support between people in the group is fabulous. People really look out for each other in a very helpful way. We've all made very good friends apart from what we've learnt in an academic sense.

Both Eileen Wetherall and Grace Purtill are doing the course with a view to changing their careers. Wetherall is a nurse and former development worker, while Purtill has been in the restaurant business for many years.

"I had been nursing for 25 years and felt the time had come for a career change," explains Wetherall. "I have basic computer skills but I felt that it would be a good idea to upgrade them. It's a big decision to go back to study full-time, but the college has made every effort to facilitate us and the course timetable has been structured to be suitable for adults with other responsibilities.

Apart from enjoying the course content she finds the interaction between the group very enjoyable. "Most of us are Irish but we also have students from China, Kenya, Spain and Japan which is very nice."

For Purtill the course is a stepping stone to a completely new career. "I've been in the restaurant business for a long time and I've seen it from all angles. I feel that I've worn it out as something I want to do with my life.

"I had done a basic word processing course but I felt that I needed to gain more in-depth computer skills and to learn about their application in an office environment. I'm not exactly sure where this will lead me, but if anyone out there has jobs going we're all open to offers!"