Jobseekers in Galway could gain valuable digital skills and work experience within local businesses, thanks to a new initiative.
Chambers of Commerce and further education institutions throughout Ireland are involved, including Galway Technical Institute and Galway Chamber of Commerce. The project is being run as part of the Labour Market Activation Fund 2010, funded by the Department of Education and Skills, and the European Social Fund.
The aim of WebActivate is to create employment for hundreds of people throughout the country, while simultaneously providing small businesses with a way of establishing an online presence. Under the project, people who are currently unemployed can apply to take part in an 18-week training programme in digital skills. Successful applicants will spend six weeks receiving in-centre training, and the remaining 12 weeks on structured work placements, building websites for small businesses.
In Galway, training will be delivered at Galway Technical Institute, and the WebActivate project is now calling for applications from local people. Applicants must be registered with the Local Employment Service and must be over 18. The training is delivered free of charge to successful applicants, and participants also receive a Notebook computer for the duration of the programme.
Speaking about the initiative, Jim Brick, Principal of Galway Technical Institute (GTI ), said: “The WebActivate programme is a great opportunity for people in Galway who are out of work to gain new skills and move out of unemployment. Through this programme, they will get the chance to gain practical experience and work closely with a range of different companies.
“Participants will receive training in internet publishing, social marketing and website design, as well as learning how to work in freelance media. They will use this training to build websites for a number of local companies and, hopefully – once the programme is over – they will be able to use their new digital skills in building their future careers,” he added.
The first phase of training for the WebActivate project will begin next month, with trainees commencing work placements within small businesses from late September onwards. To apply to get involved, or to find out more about the project, visit www.webactivate.ie
