Getting Carlow up and running again
EBT co-coordinator Annette Roberts.
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At The National Learning Network individual training is provided to people who require extra support when looking for work. People who may find it difficult to gain employment or move forward come to study and learn at the centre that offers specialised training. The target group is people with disabilities but help is also offered to those who have been out of the workforce for years as they raised their family or through injury or illness.
' The programmes are devised around what the individual wants,' said EBT Co coordinator Annette Roberts. ' The only guideline is that it has to be 30 hours a week and that the programme is employer based.'
Twelve people are accepted at the centre each term and they spend four days a week at a work placement and one day with inhouse training on personal development.
The Learning Network has worked with people in accountancy, hairdressing, childcare, retail, office work and more.
'People with disabilities are our target group but some people who mightn't see themselves as having a disability could benefit hugely from the programme.
'A lot of people come to us who had been home with their family or have suffered from depression or a mental disability.'
The organisation offers over 40 different vocational programmes nationwide which carry nationally and internationally recognised certification and are designed to lead directly to jobs or progression to further education.
' We also provide Continuous Professional Development courses, Assessment Services for children, adolescents and adults with specific learning difficulties, and a Disability Support Service for VEC colleges in Dublin.'
One of the most important aspects to matching the right person to the right workplace and the Carlow branch work with a host of companies including KCLR, The Heritage Council in Kilkenny, Quick Shine car wash in Carlow, Homebase and Supervalu.
'We deal with everything from retail to catering and office administration, the programme is totally flexible and is designed around the needs of the individual,' she added.
For further queries on the National Learning Network, Killeshin Road, Carlow contact 087-4195303.
