New SOLAS Agency must ensure that high-quality, relevant training courses are maintained to meet the needs of people with disabilities and those who are distant from labour market – National Learning Network
National Learning Network today, (Wednesday 27 July) welcomed the announcement of the new SOLAS training authority, urging that jobseekers, those with disabilities and others who are distant from the labour market must receive high quality, relevant training and supports to enable them to get jobs or progress into further education.
“This model of service, with initial assessment, flexible delivery and a value for money individualised approach and a ensuring that the qualifications achieved are relevant to local employment is precisely the model which NLN has been successfully delivering for many years. We are delighted that this will be the focus of the new agency, and we are looking forward to working in close partnerships with SOLAS and the VECs to ensure that the needs of all those who are distant from the labour market are met.” Marie Kelly, Director of National Learning Network said.
“Everyone deserves the best possible chance when they are training for employment, or starting on their journey into work. In the last five years, over 90 per cent of people who completed training courses with National Learning Network went on directly to employment, or on to further education or training. National Learning Network outperforms the results of many other providers supporting people back into work, she continued.
“Minister Ruairí Quinn referred today to the need for activation. The JobFit programme run by TBG Learning in partnership with National Learning Network which just completed in June showed the benefit of a short, targeted intervention programme which gave people essential support with job-seeking, job preparation and relevant FETAC modules and helped people to find work. It was a great example of an activation model which really worked for participants and for employers, and gave excellent value to the taxpayer. We hope the Government and the new agency will consider providing further opportunities to deliver such programmes in future” Ms Kelly noted.
“National Learning Network also supports VEC colleges to deliver services to students with disabilities, in a model recognised by the OECD as ‘a sustainable, innovative and cost effective approach’. We are ready to be a significant partner to SOLAS in the delivery of training to all who need it across Ireland.” Ms Kelly added.
“The new authority will have our full support, and we hope that the skills and expertise which have been built up in this sector over the last number of decades will be fully utilised by the new agency and the Government to the benefit of all learners and job seekers.”
National Learning Network has over 50 centres across Ireland, providing FETAC accredited training. This is delivered in innovative ways, blending employer-based training and distance learning with more traditional training methods. People are supported to build lasting careers matching their interests.
Between September 2010 and June 2011 NLN partnered with TBG Learning in the delivery of the JobFit programme on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, for people with a Junior Cert level of education or below, who had been unemployed for three months or more. JobFit was a huge success, with over 470 people going straight into employment, 190 going into further education and 1450 achieving FETAC awards.
“We look forward to working with the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Social Protection and SOLAS to achieve the best possible outcomes for those who need support to enter or re-enter the labour market”. Ms Kelly concluded