JobFit, a new local initiative to support people to upskill or retrain and get a job or move on to further education or training, was officially launched yesterday, Thursday October 28 at a celebration event in the JobFit centre by Mayor of Athlone Town Council, Sheila Buckley Byrne.
JobFit is delivered by TBG Learning in partnership with National Learning Network. It is a free programme, which can last up to 13 weeks, offering training that leads to nationally-recognised qualifications, work placements with local employers, and tailored support and guidance. The aim is to help people who have been let go from their jobs, or who have left the education system early, get a job or move onto further education or employment-related training.
Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund of the Department of Education and Skills and the European Social Fund of the European Union, JobFit is open to people who have been in receipt of a social welfare payment for three months or more and who are qualified to Junior Certificate level or below.
JobFit centre manager Orla Savage said, “ JobFit is really positive news for the county as it’s all about helping people to get their CV together, supporting them in their job search, and ultimately, enabling them to find a job or go on to further education or training. The programme is free, personalised to each individual, and participants get a really worthwhile opportunity to experience work placement as they require it, learn valuable new skills, and notch up some excellent qualifications on their CV.
“All of our staff are here to help people focus their energies and to re-build their sense of self-esteem, to identify the opportunities most suitable to them and to maximise their chances of success. Places are limited so I would encourage people to get in touch now.”
To find out more about the JobFit centre in Athlone and the services on offer, email [email protected], Freefone 1800 303 364, or log on to www.jobfit.ie
