Fund benefitting unemployed

More than 100 people in Clare are benefiting from a new national labour market fund, which is designed to assist in innovative training and education provision by private, not-for-profit and public sector providers.

Clare VEC Adult Education Services is one of the 33 projects awarded funding from an additional €12 million under the Labour Market Activation Fund.
Under the fund, course participants will receive training in a number of areas including self-employment, customer service, environmental studies, renewable energy and tourism.
All of the courses are FETAC approved and range from level three to six.
Launched by the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan in March, the fund is aimed at priority groups among the unemployed, particularly the low-skilled and those formerly employed in declining sectors – construction, retail and manufacturing sectors – with particular emphasis on the under 25s and the long-term unemployed.
Anyone who is in receipt of Job-Seekers’ Benefit or Job-Seekers’ Allowance who wants to gain recognised FETAC qualifications to help progress to further education/employment are advised to contact Clare VEC Adult Education Services.
Programmes are free to eligible participants. All the courses include career planning, further education guidance, mentoring and work experience.
Participants must be in receipt of an unemployment payment for a minimum of three months to be eligible to apply.
The Burren Outdoor Education Centre is providing Outdoor Recreation Studies FETAC Level Five for anyone planning a career in outdoor recreation or tourism sectors.
It includes hillwalking proficiency, outdoor leadership, communications and kayaking.
Tradesmen who want to diversify into renewable energy can learn all about solar energy systems, heat pump systems and wood pellet systems at Renewable Energy FETAC Level Five courses in Ennis and Shannon.
Environmental Studies and the Green Economy FETAC Level Five is available in Kildysart.
It includes environmental studies, biological diversity, sustainable water management and ecological field methods.
An Introduction to Health and Community Care FETAC Level Three is being provided in Quin.
Topics covered include health-related fitness, food and nutrition, personal and interpersonal skills, computer skills and first aid.
Practical and DIY Skills FETAC Level Three includes woodwork, metalwork, computers, basic maths, computer skills, safe pass as well as health and safety in Miltown Malbay.
This would be suitable for anyone interested in improving their practical skills or progressing to further education and training.
The Create My Own Job FETAC Level Three course in Shannon is designed for people who are interested in using their skills to progress to self-employment and those who need help to get started. The coursework comprises computers and social networking for business, basic business accounting skills, practical DIY skills, communications for business, marketing your job skills and mentoring.
Retaining Customers in the Tourism and Heritage Sector FETAC Level Three in Scariff is suitable for those interested in a career in the tourism industry.
Topics covered include local heritage, customer care, interpersonal and communications skills, maths and computers for business.
The Introduction to Catering and Hospitality FETAC Level Three in Ennistymon includes food preparation, accommodation skills, customer care, communications and maths for computers HACCP.
It is designed for anyone hoping to progress to a career in hotel and catering or progressing to further education.