As far back as 1951, the Irish Exporters' Association identified the need for a practical qualification in foreign trade. Although the world of trade has changed immensely, the aim of its diploma has remained the same - "to provide the exporting sector with the professionals it requires for its continued growth".

The evolution of the original two-year course into a diploma in international trade and marketing reflects the now global nature of the industry and the flexibility of the course. Initially part-time, the course became full-time in 1989 in the anchor college - Dun Laoghaire Community College in Co Dublin.

Some 310 students are registered in full and part-time courses in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Westmeath. The Institute of International Trade of Ireland (IITI) is the professional body of the Exporters' Association and awards Ireland's only practical qualification in export.

The programme prides itself on a post-course employment rate of 80 per cent and, according to Tim O'Dea of the IITI, they are seeing stronger interest than ever from employers and students.

"Dynamic, challenging and diverse", is how co-ordinator Ann Jennings describes the course in Dun Laoghaire Community College. International trade practice is the core module, covering all aspects of global trade. Other subjects range from economics to accounting to mercantile law. All students study either French or German and students in Dun Laoghaire are given the option of studying a second language.

Applicants should have five passes in the Leaving Cert or equivalent, but places are allocated on an interview basis and, according to Jennings, "weaker students are often taken on and nurtured through the course."

The course is popular with mature, VTOS and foreign students. The first years in Dun Laoghaire are an interestingly mixed bunch. Students from all over Ireland and several foreign nationals, including two from Russia, one each from Spain, Egypt and Nigeria, attend the college four days a week. Dun Laoghaire students Aisling Cullen, Jason Breen and Sinead Kennedy cite the variety and quality of subjects as their main incentive in choosing the course. They strongly recommend the diploma and hope to continue their studies after graduation.

Breen, from Ballybrack, Dublin, plans to apply to DIT degree programme, as does Cullen from Sallynoggin, Dublin. Kennedy travels daily from Roscommon, getting up at 5 a.m. She often drives, as she works for a transport company - alternatively she travels by train. Each of the students hopes for careers in either transport or shipping.

All are enjoying the course and feel it will equip them perfectly for their chosen profession.

It's hoped that a 1998 work exchange programme can be repeated. This involved a number of Irish students travelling to Utrecht in the Netherlands and their Dutch counterparts visiting Ireland later in the year.

O'Dea believes it's "the approachability of the course coupled with workable entry requirements which attract students from abroad and within Ireland. The diploma provides the international ground rules for anyone keen to work in the field."

Strong emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of study, with work experience constituting a vital and compulsory part of the curriculum. Two weeks' work experience are completed each year. Students are also encouraged to seek experience in their own time.

It is on these jaunts that a 3,500-6,000 word international trade project is to be based.

The link with the Irish Exporters' Association is invaluable. Each year around 20 firms offer placements, often seeking to recruit students when their course is completed. A key aspect of the course is its promotion of further qualification through links, formal and informal, with colleges in Ireland and in Britain. A formal link with the University of Wolverhampton allows accepted students to enter the second year of a business studies and enterprise degree.

The Limerick course operates in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. On graduation students get diplomas both from the IEA and CIM.

Details from IEA, Holbrook House, Holles Street, Dublin 2 - phone (01) 661 2182