National Learning Network – Portlaoise
At National Learning Network Portlaoise, we understand that, through learning, you can grow in confidence and reach your full potential.
We provide a range of courses for people who have had an accident, illness, mental health issue, injury, or have a disability and need extra supports to learn. We use a wide range of information technology systems and supports which will help you to achieve your goals and have a comprehensive online learning platform called eNLN which houses a large amount of additional educational content.
We are conveniently located on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise and a short distance from the town centre. NLN Portlaoise has great off-site parking which is ample for all students and staff. We have our own centre bus which serves Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Mountrath, Rathdowney, Stradbally as well as Portlaoise town/train station etc. We are also served by both the Airport Green Bus/Kavanaghs and multiple local link routes.
Contact: Cian Doyle
Address: Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Laois
Tel: 057 8621263
Email: portlaoise@nln.ie
Employer Based Training
This work based training course offers students a work placement with a host company so that they can acquire real life training, skills and experience whilst gaining a QQI Level 4 Major Award. This course is focused on the practical and soft skills required such as workplace resilience, team working and appropriate workplace behaviours to build the skills they will need to succeed in not only getting a job but keeping that job. Students attend training in the centre two days per week and will be based in their host company for three days per week. We work with students to find a work placement of their choice and support both student and the employer whilst in training. Upon course completion students have moved into jobs in areas such as catering, administration, childcare, horticulture and many more. Additional on the job Certified Training Modules can be delivered on an individual needs basis, such as Safe Pass, HACCP etc.
Duration 12 Months
Certified Modules
The following modules are available for contribution towards a Major award:
Business English
Career Planning
Communications
Computer Applications
Customer Service
Functional Maths
Information Technology Skills
Personal & Interpersonal Development
Work Experience
Work Place Safety
Non Certified Modules
The following are a set of workplace preparation modules which we complete:
Compensatory Education
Enterprise Skills
Host Company Induction
Individual Profiling
Induction
Pre Placement Preparation
Professional Workplace Behaviours
Review and Future Planning
Team working Skills
Certification: QQI Level 4 Major Award in Employment Skills 4M0857
Kick Start Your Future
This programme is designed to support students explore options for either work or for going on to further education whilst gaining their QQI Level 4 Major Award. Split over three phases, Kick Start offers optional training modules in areas such as hospitality/catering, retail skills, IT/office administration or they may opt for a general learning award whilst gaining practical work experience with an employer. New skills are acquired through a combination of practical demonstration, instruction, supervised practice, e-learning and on the job training with an employer.
Duration 18 Months
Certified Modules (Split Between Standard and Core Option Modules)
Learners are required to obtain 90 credits for Major Award in Employment Skills (approx. 9 completed modules):
CORE Modules
Communications
Customer Service
Information Technology Skills
Work Experience
General Learning Award 4M2010
Functional Maths
Health Related Fitness
Personal Effectiveness
Work Place Safety
Office Skills Award 4M2070
Computer Applications
Business English
Data Entry
General Office Skills
Retail Skills Award (4M1998)
Personal Effectiveness
Retail Payment Procedures
Retail Sales Techniques
Stock Control
Catering Skills Award (4M2805)
Kitchen Skills
Meal Service
Short Order Cooking
Non Certified Modules
Set of Personal Development Skills that we would encourage learners to cover whilst attending the Kick Start Programme:
Advocacy Skills
Career Coaching
Enhancing Work Skills
Induction
Personal Development/Self-Esteem
Resilience in the Work Place
Stress Management
Transition Planning and Moving On
Certification: QQI Level 4
Transition
The Transition programme offers young adults and early school leavers the opportunity to explore their future training and employment options in areas such as office administration, retail or catering and hospitality. We help and encourage students to identify their own strengths and goals as well as providing the practical experience and skills necessary to demonstrate communication, self-advocacy and teamwork within their own communities. We differ from other post-secondary school courses in that NLN provide access to psychological supports, one to one coaching and a personal development and training plan to help with any additional supports the student may require.
Duration: 24 Months
Certified Modules
Learners are required to obtain 60 credits for Major Award in Employability Skills (approx. 7 completed modules):
Application of Numbers
Career Preparation
Internet Skills
Health and Safety Awareness
Health and Fitness
Nutrition and Healthy Options
Personal Care and Presentation
Personal & Interpersonal Skills
Potting and Planting by Hand
Work Experience
Options Depending on Career Choice:
Retail Skills or/
Breakfast Cookery
Culinary Operations
Operating a Dishwasher or/
Desktop Publishing
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Non Certified Modules
Set of Personal Development Skills that we would encourage learners to cover whilst attending the Transition Programme:
Career Coaching
Creative Exploration
Customer Service Skills
Enhancing Work Skills
Health and Safety
Induction
Learning to Learn
Literacy and Numeracy
Personal Development
Resilience in the Work Place
Transition and Moving On
Certification: QQI Level 3 Employability Skills (3M0935)
Access
The Access programme aims to develop the personal and social skills of students. This is done through extensive use of community facilities and practical skills training. Underpinning this programme is New Directions, a Health Service Executive (HSE) person-centred service for adults with disabilities. The programme aims to help boost students’ confidence and to give people greater level of independence. We will help the student make realistic choices about further training or get a job that best suits their strengths and abilities. Access offers a variety of work experience placements so students can sample different work environments and learn the skills required.
Duration: Three Years
Core Modules
Application of Numbers
Career Preparation
Communications
Community Participation
Health & Fitness
Information Technology
Managing Personal Finance
Nutrition & Healthy Options
Personal & Interpersonal Skills
Personal Care & Presentation
Self-Advocacy
Work Experience
Non Certified
Active Citizenship
Art/Drama/Craft/Music/Sport
Community Clubs/Groups/Gaisce Award
Community Mapping
Cooking
Decision Making
DIY
Independent Living Skills
Independent Travel
Induction
Literacy & Numeracy Assessments
Managing Change
Managing Personal Finance
Moving On
Person Centred Planning
Personal Discovery
Positive Risk Taking
Programme Sampling
Relationships & Sexuality
Team Building
Certification: QQI Level 3 Employability Skills (3M0935)
