Applications are being sought from unemployed and low earners in rural Galway who wish to further their education to increase job prospects.
The Pathway to College programme, which was launched in Portumna by the Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon, is a new initiative for people who live in the Galway Rural Development operational area - east and south County Galway and Claregalway district, but excluding Galway city.
The new programme is administered by Galway Rural Development under the Local Community Development Programme and will run free of charge for successful applicants meeting entry criteria.
Speaking at the launch Minister Cannon said the Pathway to College initiative had been developed to enhance access to education for those who were unemployed or those who were most removed from the education system.
“The aim is to enable participants to progress into third level education and be in a position to access the local labour market. I know that this will be an invaluable resource to the people of south Galway and adjoining communities.”
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.
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.
“As an advocate of life long learning, I am delighted to be facilitating this new and exciting initiative on behalf of Galway Rural Development,” said Evelyn Cormican of Blueprint Coaching and Training. “It will provide individuals with an opportunity improve their qualifications and job prospects.”
Further information and application forms are available from Blueprint Coaching and Training. As numbers for this programme are limited, completed application forms must be returned by October 31 and will be followed by interviews with potential candidates.
