Employment and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Employment and Training

Recognition of Learning

Labour Market Activation

The proportion of people not working due to inactivity (having the capacity to work but having left the labour market and no longer seeking work) is comparatively higher than other EU and OECD countries. With COVID 19, unemployment has increased even further so through our Labour Market Activation measure we aimed to provide programmes that were responsive to the needs of these individuals. We supported individuals in Duhallow to have access to relevant up-skilling supports to enable them to re-enter the workforce. We delivered different

programmes for individuals who were relatively close to the labour market and“job ready ” and may need short term job specific training. We provided more intensive supports and guidance with one to one assistance to help overcome challenges some individuals faced. A range of training has been delivered over the last year to meet the varying needs including Safe Pass Training, Forklift training, Site Dumper, 360 Excavator course and Manual Handling courses.

Recognition of Learning

IRD Duhallow ’ s Recognition of Learning Ceremony is an annual event on the calendar, celebrating the many achievements of those who have partaken in lifelong learning programmes in the James O’Keeffe Institute. However, like many other things this year, Covid restrictions meant that it could not be hosted in person, but instead certificates were awarded through an online ceremony. Thursday the 4th of March saw over 650 individuals receive certs at the event which was broadcast on IRD Duhallow ’ s youtube channel. This ceremony saw the first major award graduates of our LTI programme in Horticulture as well as noting the achievements of the Skillnet funded Level 7 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care in conjunction with IT Carlow.

A practical Basic Kids First Aid course tailored towards children aged 8-11, covering bandaging, breaks, bleeding, burns, choking and CPR. Certificates received by; Katelyn Mc Carthy, Katelyn Buckley, Saoirse Rahilly, Alex Haigh, Amy O Connor, Lucy O Connor, Aoidin O Sullivan, Emily Duggan Louise Duggan, Rhys Cummins

Karen O Donoghue, Rachel O Shaughnessy, Aisling Healy & Sarah Weathers completed a Basic Sign Language course and QQL Level 3 Irish Sign Language course this year to allow them to learn how to communicate in Sign Language. Sarah wears hearing aids and is currently losing her hearing due to an illness that results in tumours growing on her central nervous system. The groups training programme was supported through SICAP. The IRD Duhallow Recognition of Learning Ceremony was held virtually this year. Alex Haigh, Aoidin O Sullivan, Rhys Cummins and Saoirse Rahilly partaking in the Basic Kids First Aid Course funded through SICAP

Career Guidance Counsellor Niamh Dwyer delivering a SICAP funded Virtual Career Guidance for Leaving Cert students focussing on CAO Change of Mind and alternative pathways after Leaving Cert.