Unmployed and low income workers in south Galway who are interested in going to college may now realise their ambition thanks to a new programme being spearheaded by Galway Rural Development.
The Pathway to College initiative aims to facilitate people who are out of work or on low wages and who meet certain criteria, to return to further education.
The free programme will be launched on Thursday next at O’Meara’s Bar and Restaurant in Portumna by Minister of State for Training and Skills at the Department of Education and Skills, Ciarán Cannon.
The course which begins on November 21 takes place in Portumna and runs on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 5pm for 20 weeks until May 2013. Its aim is to progress long term unemployed people to access third level courses and potentially raise their education qualifications up to university degree level.
Applications are sought from candidates in the Galway Rural Development operational area - east and south Co Galway and Claregalway district but excluding Galway city - who meet the entry criteria and wish to further their chances to return to full time employment.
The course will cater for people who are unemployed and low income earners who have a keen interest in attending college, as well as people who may have left school early, learners with a disability and people from socio-economically disadvantaged groups and ethnic minorities.
It will provide participants with a grounding and preparation for their return to education through exercises in self-development to boost their motivation and self-confidence and plan for their future. The course includes career guidance, computer skills, financial planning and budgeting and will assist them with future choices such as college applications, interview training and CAO forms.
“Galway Rural Development under the LCDP programme is delighted to provide this opportunity to bring Pathway to College to the people of south Galway,” says Delia Colohan, the chief executive officer of the Galway Rural Development Company.
Evelyn Cormican of Blueprint Coaching and Training says as an advocate of lifelong learning she is delighted to facilitate this new and exciting initiative on behalf of Galway Rural Development which gives people an opportunity to improve their qualifications and job prospects.
Anyone interested in applying should attend the launch and information event. To register your interest to attend contact Elaine Quinn at (091 ) 844335 or email [email protected] Further details details may be had by logging onto www.grd.ie/pathwaytocollege
Further information and application forms are available from Blueprint Coaching and Training. There are limited places on the programme and completed application forms must be returned by October 31. Potential candidates will be interviewed.
