The benefits of learning with WCP Mullingar

Ahead of the launch of their new logo and website today, Tuesday, Women’s Community Projects (WCP) held an open day on Friday last to publicise the range of accredited and hobby courses they offer, in the Parish Community Centre.

Aisling Mortell Beglan, Education and Training coordinator, said WCP have a long list of QQI classes and common interest classes to suit everyone, many of which are free or of low-cost to learners.

“One that is of huge interest is our completely free healthcare option, but eligibility criteria applies. It’s for those who wish to work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and also within the community,” Aisling said. “We also have more suitable courses for people who can’t avail of full-time courses, something to fit around everyone’s schedule. Another in-demand course is our business administration class, and we also do general learning at level 3 and level 4.

“In terms of our non-accredited classes, we have Pilates, yoga, ESOL, which is English for Speakers of Other Languages, Irish for beginners, machine sewing and computers for beginners, so lots on offer,” she said.

“Anyone who is interested is more than welcome to come into us any day of the week in the Parish Community Centre from 9-5, or give us a call on 044 9344301, or email adult.ed@wcpmullingar.ie.”

Community Employment Supervisor, Cepta Dolan, was there recruiting for Community Employment (CE).

“Our Community Employment is mostly in childcare, community childcare, around Westmeath,” said Cepta. “We have many childcare centres around Mullingar and surrounds, including one here on the premises of WCP, and at Laughs and Giggles in Dalton Park, Réalta Beag in Grange, and others based in Killucan, Kinnegad, Rathowen, Athlone and in Offaly.”

Cepta said that the eligibility for CE Childcare is over 21 years of age and in receipt of a Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment.

“It’s funded by the DSP, and the minimum payment is €247.50, which is €27 above Jobseekers Benefit, so it’s an additional payment and for that, you work in the services for 19.5 hours a week, and you get your full training paid for,” she said.

“It’s a training programme, and lots of people do childcare and business admin. It’s a great stepping stone to employment. You get your full training and work experience, and the goal is to progress to full employment. We would have huge progression to employment, and it helps people who have been long-term unemployed, return to the workplace. And there’s plenty of support for participants.”

• Women’s Community Projects are preparing for the launch of a their new logo and website today, Tuesday June 27, between noon and 2pm.