Lord Mayor Launches NLN Cork Open Day
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael Ahern, was at National Learning Network Cork’s Seward House in the Cork Business & Technology Park on Model Farm Road recently to launch an Open Day showcasing the achievements of students with disabilities.
The event, which was held between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., was open to the public. A special 30-minute briefing session for employers was held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on the topic of the employment of people with additional support needs. The first briefing included an address by Cllr. Ahern.
The Open Day featured exhibits from rehabilitative and vocational training programmes. Staff and trainees, past and present, were on hand to provide information and guidance. Light refreshments were provided throughout the day.
‘The projects on show today represent the achievements of talented students,’ said Eoin Kelly, Area Manager, National Learning Network, Model Farm Road.
National Learning Network Model Farm Road catered for over 105 students in 2006. These students were offered rehabilitative and vocational training on high-quality programmes that are specifically designed to enable people with disabilities and others who are marginalised to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities.
There are four programmes available in Model Farm Road. Fresh Start offers participants an opportunity to make a fresh start in life and re-enter employment. Over a year, the course works with students to build up their confidence and self-esteem, and equips them with the skills to cope with their current circumstances and progress back to work.
IT/Business Studies is a two-year programme that develops the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work in IT, administration or finance. This is supported by work experience to aid their learning.
Employer-Based Training allows students to learn skills in a workplace setting with a host employer. It provides students with a wide range of skills for work and career development as well as job-related modules selected specifically for their training plan.
Introductory Skills Training is an 18-month course which enables students to identify their preferred career choice. The course offers them the chance to sample a range of options and to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to progress to further education/training and or employment.
National Learning Network Cork also runs courses in Hollyhill, which catered for 120 students in 2006. Programmes offered include Directions, a foundation training course, Catering, Electronics & General Manufacturing Skills, Information Technology by Home-Based Training and Employer-Based Training. In addition there are a number of outreach programmes specifically for mental health service users called Focus that are located in Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Mallow, Macroom and Midleton.
National Learning Network Cork’s vocational training programmes are funded by FÁS and its rehabilitation programmes are funded by the HSE.
In attendance at the Open Day were Cllr Michael Ahern, Mayor of Cork, as well as invited guests from National Learning Network, FÁS, the health service executive and business and voluntary representatives from the local community.
The Open Day was part of the 2007 Cork City Lifelong Learning Festival, a week-long citywide festival aimed at celebrating and showcasing adult learning opportunities.