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Making Connections, a Local Training Initiative funded by Tipperary ETB, has been selected as one of 32 programmes across Europe, only one of two in Ireland, to be included in a research publication for best practice in working with disadvantaged learners and vulnerable groups. It is based in The Wilderness Youth and Community Centre Clonmel

The Centre held its annual certificates awards ceremony in September and present at the awards were Mr John Lonergan, Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, Matthew Ryan, Training Services Manager TETB, John Murphy Senior Development  Community Officer TETB, Jenny Ryan LTI Coordinator, Deirdre Mattassa, LTI Assistant Coordinator and Christina Fogarty, Chief Executive Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Services.

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This Local Training Initiative (LTI) works with adults who have experienced difficulties with substance/alcohol misuse, associated mental health difficulties and/or homelessness

Making Connections aims to re-introduce participants back into adult education and delivers QQI Level 3 training in a holistic learner centred approach. Learners attend on a flexible part-time basis and take part in a variety of modules leading to a Major Award in Employability skills. Participants are referred to the programme through a variety of local agencies and services such as drug counsellors, community based drugs workers, probation services, women’s refuge, homeless services and mental health services. This ensures that each individual is fully supported whilst engaged on our educational programme.

Jenny Ryan opened the ceremony thanking all students for their attendance and expressed how proud she is of the Centre’s and student’s achievements over that last year.

John Lonergan (Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison) and Matthew Ryan (Training Services Manager)

Mr Lonergan gave a talk to the students, congratulating them on their achievements and explained how participating in programmes like” Making Connection” will make a difference to their lives, family, friends and community.  The awards obtained today represent tangible evidence that the students have made real progress and these achievements are already making impacts on their lives and those of their families.

The Awards Certificates were presented by Jenny Ryan and Matthew Ryan.  Mr Ryan also congratulated the students and staff and stated that these achievements mark the first step in embracing a wide range of career opportunities and progression opportunities available in the ETB sector and beyond. This success today he stated, was made possible by the support and encouragement of learners by Making Connections staff, tutors and friends.  Tipperary ETB plans to sustain and develop new training opportunities for the people of the county. We welcome contacts from learners, community groups and employers. For more information on training programmes please contact Tipperary ETB Training Services on 052 612 1067 or email [email protected] or on our website www.tipperaryetb.ie.

 

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