Ken Wright
National Learning Network Students Graduate
By Ken Wright
15, Jul 2007 - 21:17

Cllr Paddy McGuinness of Mayo County Council, Tony Cawley, placement officer of FÁS Castlebar, and Diarmuid Ó Ceidigh of FETAC recently presented certificates to a group of students marking their achievements over the past year.

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Employer Based Training Programme Certificate recipients pictured with Peter Dooley Area Manager National Learning Network Front L-R: Mary McLoughlin, Sheila Kerrigan, Una Conlon, Lena Doocey, Back L-R: Peter Dooley, Patricia Sheridan, Maura McGrath, Margaret Rattigan, Adrian McQuaid (EBT Co-ordinator) Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

A total of 30 students from National Learning Network Castlebar received certificates in nationally accredited awards such as FETAC and the European Computer Drivers Licence (ECDL). Many of the students have since progressed from National Learning Network to employment or further training. The award ceremony took place at Turlough House Museum, Turlough, Castlebar.

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Staff members, Front L-R: Ann Ivers, Ronnie Doyle, Noreen Maloney, Eileen Molloy, Sharon Allen. Back L-R: Peter Dooley, Dermot Callaghan, Frances Barrone, Denise O’Dwyer, Eamonn Smith, Eileen Gavin, Adrian McQuaid, Ann Joyce, Roddy Gallagher. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

National Learning Network Castlebar, which is located on Breaffy Road, currently caters for over 100 students who are offered both Vocational and Rehabilitative training on a range of 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.

 

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Catering/Hospitality Assistant Programme Certificate recipients pictured with Peter Dooley Area Manager National Learning Network Front L-R: Laura Feeney, Theresa McManus, Noel Daly Back L-R:, Peter Dooley, Cathriona Loftus, Martina Leonard, Eileen Gavin (Instructor). Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

Courses run in National Learning Network Castlebar include Access, a rehabilitative course which is designed to equip participants with foundation level personal, social and work-related skills that enable them to gain greater independence and participate more fully in their local communities. Rehabilitative courses are funded by the HSE.

 

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Computer Studies and Office Skills Certificate recipients pictured with Peter Dooley Area Manager National Learning Network Front L-R: Sheila McNicholas, Jarlath Tynan, Ita Fenton. Back L-R: Peter Dooley, Margaret McGreal, Roddy Gallagher (Instructor). Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

National Learning Network Castlebar also offers Vocational courses, which are funded by FÁS. Fresh Start is particularly aimed at people who want to explore their educational, training and career opportunities. Students on the IT and Office Skills course aim to achieve their European Computer Driving Licence and FETAC Level 5 and undertake relevant work experience to build office skills, while those studying Information Technology by Distance Learning learn Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and ECDL. The course has enabled dozens of people with disabilities and mobility difficulties boost their job prospects by giving them the opportunity to complete hi-tech courses leading to employment in teaching, accounts and administration without ever having to leave their home.

 

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Information Processing by Distance Learning Certificate recipients pictured with Peter Dooley Area Manager National Learning Network Front L-R: Sharon Allen (Instructor), Paula Moran, Deidre Olim, Peter Dooley, Back L-R: Dermot Callaghan (Instructor), Bernard Fuller, Hugh Cunningham, Eamonn Smith (Instructor). Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

Also offered at the centre is Job Start. This programme prepares people and supports them in entering employment by developing skills across the whole employment process from recruitment to career progression. On completion of this programme students will be ready to participate in employment, supported employment or further training based on a clear understanding of their individual strengths. Employer Based Training enables students to acquire practical skills in the workplace with a host company of their choice in Castlebar or throughout the county leading to employment.

In addition to the main centre in Castlebar, National Learning Network is also involved in a pilot project in partnership with FÁS, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the local Community Development Partnership (CDP) in Erris which currently has 12 learners.

National Learning Network Award Ceremony held in the National Museum of Ireland Country Life Turlough Castlebar. Freshstart Programme Certificate recipients pictured with Peter Dooley Area Manager National Learning Network Front L-R: Peter Dooley, Mary Catherine Reilly, Cathy Kilbane, Grace Flannery. Back L-R: Anthony O’Malley, James Crawford, Sharon Forde, Michael Gavin, Peter Coleman. Photo © Ken Wright Photography 2007

In attendance at the ceremony were students, their families and friends, invited guests from FÁS, FETAC and the Health Service Executive, invited guests from National Learning Network and business representatives from the local community. Following the presentation of certificates, refreshments were served and guests mingled with service users and staff from the centre.

For further information on National Learning Network courses contact Peter Dooley, Manager, National Learning Network Castlebar at (094) 902 2770.