On Wednesday, 14^th December 2016 at 11 a.m., 53 learners from National Learning Network, Clonmel, received Component Awards at QQI Level 2, QQI Level 3 and QQI Level 4 and ECDL Component Awards.

In addition to the Component Awards, this year,  7 HSE funded Options programme students each received QQI Level 2 Major Awards and also 8 Tipperary ETB funded Computer Applications & Office Skills students each received QQI Level 4 Major Awards. Additional certificates were presented for Personal Development & Community Integration Projects.

The ceremony was attended by staff and students of National Learning Network Clonmel.  The Deputy Mayor of Clonmel Borough District, Rehab Group CEO, representatives from NLN, Tipperary ETB and HSE also attended the event. Local public representatives were also invited to attend.

National Learning Network, Clonmel

National Learning Network Clonmel provides high-quality training and employment services to people with a wide range of disabilities, including physical and sensory, mental health, intellectual disability and others with additional support needs. Students who come to the centre can take time out to overcome the personal difficulties that they have experienced in their life with the support of National Learning Network staff.  Currently, the centre offers training opportunities to people from County Tipperary, who may have been finding it difficult to access further education, training and employment.

Courses

All National Learning Network courses are nationally accredited and designed to meet the specific needs of the individual learner. For this reason, all the programmes offer continuous intake. The emphasis is always on ensuring a positive outcome for the individual through accessing further education, training or employment.

At the ceremony, students graduated from 3 programmes offered in the centre including:

• Options (HSE funded Rehabilitative Training)
• Computer Applications & Office Skills (Tipperary ETB funded Specific Skills Training)
• Employer Based Training (Tipperary ETB funded Specific Skills Training)

The Options course facilitates students in sampling a range of vocational, personal and occupational options and to develop the skills, knowledge confidence and resources to access employment, further training and other options in the wider community.  Work placement is also part of this programme.

The Computer Applications & Office Skills programme equips students with the skills and competencies in computer software applications and general office skills to enable them to access further training or employment. Work placement is also part of the programme.

The Employer Based Training allows people to train in an Employer’s Business or Company while still enjoying all the supports that exist in a fixed based training centre.