Pilot Local Training Initiative, Takes Off

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Last week marked the end of a year of dedication and hard work which resulted in phenomenal success for 15 local people and their co-ordinators.

In February 2015, a local training initiative programme in Healthcare Support, Early Childhood Care and Education and Intellectual Disability Studies (QQI Level 5) opened in Mannix College, Charleville, to learners who had an interest in achieving experience and certification within the Healthcare and Childcare sectors.

This programme would not have been viable without the unwavering support of St Joseph’s Foundation and Cork Education Training Board. This successful collaboration provided the people of Charleville and the surrounding areas with a unique opportunity to achieve two major awards and gain invaluable experience in the Healthcare and Childcare sector with the overall goal of achieving employment in the learner’s chosen area.

Speaking with co-ordinators Geraldine Hennessy, Sinéad O’Brien and Mary O’Connell, they informed us, “This is the first programme of its calibre within County Cork to deliver two major awards within one calendar year. Therefore, today marks a double celebration for us as co-ordinators, our 15 learners and all who have made this possible.”

Jacqueline O’Toole, a learner on the programme was quoted as saying, “As challenging as this course has been I would highly recommend it to anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare, childcare or intellectual disabilities sectors. The quality of training and work experience I received from Cork Education Training Board and St Joseph’s Foundation has been invaluable in assisting me on a new career path.” Ione Sousa Maia, another leaner who has successfully completed the programme wanted to thank all those who made it possible, “I would like to say a big thank you. Throughout this year I have learned and improved many skills and made lots of new friends, all of which was possible because of the dedication of Geraldine, Sinead and Mary and their efforts as co-ordinators.”

Geraldine, Sinead and Mary would like to take this opportunity to offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to St Joseph’s Foundation and all their staff, who helped make this possible through their sponsorship, dedicated support and provision of very applicable work experience. Learners were provided with work experience of a very high quality and support and encouragement was provided by their super-visors throughout. We would also like to thank Cork Education Training Board, our funding body, for all their dedicated help, support and guidance throughout this monu-mental year.

Last but not least we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in our success including the community of Charleville and surr-ounding areas and above all to our 15 learners who have worked so diligently with exceptional passion and dedication. As this was a pilot programme we had high hopes for a successful outcome for all involved, and therefore this really is a celebration of the achievements of everyone involved. Many of our learners have already secured employment in the local area and this is a testament to the success of the programme.

We would like to inform readers that applications are now being taken for 2016 and we welcome any enquiries regarding the same to lticoord@yahoo.ie or by ringing (063) 32030.