National Learning Network – Bantry

This training programme is designed to offer learners an opportunity to explore personal, social and vocational skills and includes a high level of integration into the local community. Underpinning this programme is New Directions, a HSE person centred service for adults with disabilities.

A flexible course that enables students to acquire practical skills with a host company in a skill area of their choice. The course is a combination of on-the-job and in-centre training. The EBT co-ordinator will support both student and employer. Skills in the workplace are acquired through a combination of practical demonstration, instruction, supervised practice, etc. Students progress through the programme at a pace which is suited to their individual needs and abilities.

The primary focus of this programme is to empower students with mental health issues to avail of opportunities to enhance their personal and social development, community inclusion, health and well-being, maximising of independence and education, learning, training and work opportunities.

Provides students with the opportunity to acquire the skills to get a job in the horticultural industry e.g. garden centres, garden design and maintenance, landscaping. Throughout the training programme students are assisted in preparing for and taking part in external work experience placements in preparation for employment.

Designed to support students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make realistic vocational choices for training or employment, based on their own needs and strengths. There is also an emphasis at all stages of the programme on the development and enhancement of learners’ personal effectiveness and interaction skills. For some students, depending on identified need, there may be a particular emphasis on building on existing personal effectiveness skills prior to commencement of work experience placements. For all students, their personal effectiveness skills are further developed through application in the ‘real-life’ environment of the work placement.

The course aims to equip students with the skills and competencies in Information Technology needed to obtain employment or access further training. Supports available including regular visits from the Distance Learning Instructor and regular centre meetings with fellow students. Employment placements are part of the programme. Skills are acquired in your own home on equipment supplied by the centre.