Donegal National Learning Network Students Celebrate Graduation
Monday, 17th November 2008: Mary Coughlan TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment presented a group of graduates from National Learning Network with certificates marking their attainment of nationally-recognised qualifications over the past year in a ceremony in Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey today.
A total of 70 people received certificates from the Tánaiste accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the European Computer Driving Licence, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), and City & Guilds. From January this year to date, in addition to all students gaining qualifications, 93% who have completed programmes at the National Learning Network centres on Rossview Business Park, Port Road in Letterkenny and New Row in Killybegs have progressed to employment and to further training/education.
Mura Herron, Manager for National Learning Network in Letterkenny, said, “This is a day to celebrate the success of the students receiving these nationally-recognised qualifications, which are a testament to their commitment and hard work. It’s great to see them now reaping the benefits of their learning, either in further education or in local employment. All of the staff here in Donegal congratulate them and wish them every success in the future.”
National Learning Network is the training and employment division of Rehab. In Donegal, National Learning Network currently caters for 100 people from the surrounding areas and throughout the county with both vocational and rehabilitative training. The courses are specifically designed to enable people with disabilities and others who are marginalised to learn the skills that they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities.
The National Learning Network centres in Donegal work in collaboration with local employers in areas that include construction, childcare, retail, hospitality and leisure, to name but a few. The support of these employers, and the diversity of training that they offer to learners, is a key ingredient in the success of the many work experience and job placements organised by the centre.
Community integration is a core component of National Learning Network courses and students in Donegal have access to a wide range of resources and facilities within their local communities, including the Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Cara House, Aura Leisure Centre, Arena 7, The VEC, The University of Ulster and various other community mental health support groups.
In partnership with FÁS, National Learning Network offers the Employer-Based Training, IT by Distance Learning and JobStart vocational training courses in Donegal.
The Employer-Based Training programme enables the participants to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to gain and retain employment while partaking in on-the-job training in the business area of their choice. The IT by Distance Learning course is aimed at those who want to study at home and gain IT and enterprise skills either to prepare them for jobs in their local communities, in home-based enterprises and in teleworking, or to progress to further education.
JobStart is a flexible programme that provides students with the opportunity to develop essential introductory-level skills in the centre and in a work environment so that they can progress to further training, education or employment.
The centre also offers the rehabilitative programmes Access, Turas, Advance and Prospects, in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Access and Turas provide participants with the opportunity to sample a wide range of vocational options and to develop the skills, knowledge, confidence and resources to access employment, further training and other options in the wider community.
Advance provides students with the skills to enable them to progress to introductory or specific skills training, to other training and education programmes or to employment. Prospects equips participants with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism with essential strategies and techniques to enable them to enhance their quality of life.
In attendance at the ceremony were students of National Learning Network, both past and present, and their families and friends. Guests from National Learning Network, FÁS, the HSE, FETAC and representatives from voluntary organisations in the local community were also in attendance. Following the presentation of certificates, refreshments were served and guests had the opportunity to mingle with students and staff from the centre.
ENDS
For further information, contact:
Mura Herron, National Learning Network, Letterkenny
Tel: 074 916 8288
Email: letterkenny@nln.ie
Tess Tattersall, Rehab
Tel: 01 205 7260
Mobile: 086 872 2509
Email: tess.tattersall@www.rehab.ie