17th Training for Employment completed

The Training for Employment programme, a Westmeath Community Development initiative, has recently completed its 17th course.

Established and running since 1998, Training for Employment (TFE) is a learner-centred programme and provides individual attention thereby enabling all who take part in the programme the opportunity to reach their potential.

Group and one-on-one tuition are available throughout the programme which greatly enables the participants to reach the required standards to achieve their FETAC accreditation.

This year’s participants completed a full FETAC level 5 certificate in business studies. The qualification, which is equivalent to the Leaving Certificate, can lead directly to employment and also qualifies the participant to apply for places in third-level colleges and universities through the CAO.

Three participants have already secured employment, one in childcare, one in catering and one in maintenance. Others are seeking employment or have applied for further education and training courses.

TFE is a full-time course and runs from September to June each year, providing eight modules, all related to the business sector. Job-seeking skills are also part of the course and include CV and letter writing tips, interview skills training, and also work placement which often leads to employment.

This year two participants were offered employment as a result of their placements. After a long number of years at its Connaught Street premises, TFE is relocating for next year’s course to a newer and more modern premises. It is hoped that the new premises will be operational for the start of the next programme in September.

For further information on the Training for Employment, contact Ann Fallon, TFE co-ordinator at Westmeath Community Development at 0906494896, or by email afallon@westcd.ie or go to www.westcd.ie.