Sligo National Learning Network Students Celebrate Graduation
Wednesday, 26th November 2008: Dr Jimmy Devins TD, Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, presented a group of graduates from National Learning Network with certificates marking their attainment of nationally-recognised qualifications in a ceremony in the Radisson Hotel, Rosses Point, on Friday (21st November).
A total of 69 people received certificates accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) and the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation. In addition to all students gaining nationally-recognised qualifications, figures show that eight in ten people who have completed programmes at the National Learning Network centre on Bridge Street in Sligo have progressed to employment or to further education and training.
Sean D’Arcy, Area Manager for National Learning Network in Sligo, 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 Sligo congratulate them and wish them every success in the future.”
National Learning Network is the training and employment division of Rehab. In Sligo, National Learning Network currently caters for 150 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 centre in Sligo works in collaboration with local employers in areas that include manufacturing, childcare, retail, hospitality and leisure. 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 element of National Learning Network courses and students in Sligo have access to a wide range of resources and facilities within their local communities, and have been involved in a number of activities such as the FAI’s Football for All, the Christmas Shoe Box Appeal, Keep Sligo Tidy, and a recycling project at Sligo General Hospital. In addition, the centre provides work experience placements for students from Sligo Institute of Technology and St Angela’s College.
In partnership with FÁS, National Learning Network offers the Employer-Based Training, IT by Distance Learning, Office Skills/Computer Applications, Transition, Step Up and JobStart vocational training courses in Sligo.
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.
The Office Skills/Computer Applications programme builds skills among students to enable them to obtain office-based employment. This programme includes a strong emphasis on work experience. The Transition course provides introductory skills training which gives participants the opportunity to explore different areas of work.
The Step Up programme offers those in employment the opportunity to build on their existing skills in order to progress up the career ladder. 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 and Turas 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.
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:
Sean D’Arcy, National Learning Network, Sligo
Tel: 071 914 5391
Email: sligo@nln.ie Tess Tattersall, Rehab
Tel: 01 205 7260
Mobile: 086 872 2509
Email: tess.tattersall@www.rehab.ie