Two National Learning Network centres in Mayo have been awarded an Excellence Through People award — Ireland's national standard for human resource development. The National Learning Network centres in Castlebar are two of the organisation’s 50 purpose-built training and employment centres across the country which train 13,000 people every year. This is the second time that National Learning Network, Rehab’s training and employment division has successfully attained the award, placing the organisation among the top 10 per cent of companies in the country that have achieved Excellence Through People to date.
In achieving this award National Learning Network successfully illustrated the high standard of best practice human resource systems that are in place within the organisation, particularly in the area of staff training and development, communication, and staff involvement in decision-making processes. Excellence Through People is used by many of Ireland’s most successful organisations in becoming more efficient, productive, flexible, competitive and innovative.
Marie Kelly, director of training and employment, Rehab Group said: “We are delighted to achieve this award for a second time, and an increase in our score truly is a phenomenal outcome, especially as we have such a diverse organisation. What makes National Learning Network unique is our people who continuously push themselves to develop and improve in their roles, in order to provide the best possible training and services to our students. Our engagement and communication systems ensure their voice is always heard. Our outcomes for our students are well-known and recognised, with over 90 per cent of people who complete National Learning Network training courses going on to employment, further education or other programmes. It’s fantastic that our HR practices and staff are also acknowledged with this award.”
National Learning Network offers a range of rehabilitative and vocational training courses funded by the HSE and FÁS, which allow people who need extra supports the opportunity to gain the qualifications that they want in a way and at a pace that suits their needs. The courses, which receive national and international accreditation from organisations such as FETAC and ECDL, are taught by instructors who tailor their teaching methods to the individual needs of students depending on the challenges that they face.
Located at Breaffy Road and Moneen Road in Castlebar, there are places for 94 students on its FÁS-funded vocational programmes: Employer-based Training, Jobstart, Business and Information Technology by Distance Learning, Computer Studies and Office Skills, Sporting Chance and Fresh Start, and the HSE-funded rehabilitative programme, Access.
