Dublin South East Community Training Centre which provides vocational training and support celebrated 25 years of outstanding service to the local community recently. In the challenging times in which we find ourselves the work of Community Training Centres (CDC) is ever more vital in providing a pathway to employment for young people. As well as training in technical skills there is also a focus on life skills which are essential in helping learners build confidence and adopt the right ‘attitude’ for the work place.
Speaking to NewsFour General Manager Denis Murphy said, “This year 80% of our learners gained a FETAC Major qualification and 52% are in jobs or further education. It’s about team work, it’s about keeping the positivity and enthusiasm going. We give our learners the second chance they deserve,” he added.
Speakers at the event, on November 16th included Tim Darmody Director of CDC, Mary Lawless long-standing board member, Jim Wadden FAS Director and Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn. Also in attendance were local TDs Eoghan Murphy and Kevin Humphreys as well as centre staff, representatives from community organisations, scheme partners and a full class of learners.
The centre delivers four courses; Sport and Health Related Fitness, Retail Sales, Office Procedures and ECDL and Digital Media. All courses culminate with the awarding of full FETAC Major awards to successful participants. A linked work experience programme gives learners the unique opportunity to secure a job with partners such as Ben Dunne Gyms, Coast retail outlet and Gloucester Street Sports and Recreational Centre.
Funded by the European Social Fund the CDC will move under the auspices of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee in January 2013. This will mean that service providers are more ‘in tune’ with each other.
Minister Quinn said, “Training centres like this are an additional way of young people – who have had a difficult time in formal schooling – being able to acquire skills which are job market focused, that they wouldn’t otherwise have gained.”
Jamie Brady, 19 years old from Pearse Street agreed, “I got my Junior Cert and then left school, it just wasn’t for me, I didn’t like it. Being here you have one-to-one tuition and you are learning what you want to learn,” he said.
Among last year’s graduates is Anthony O’Callaghan who following his Dublin South CDC stint and a three-month Linked Work Experience Programme is now a Duty Manager at Ben Dunne Gyms.
NewsFour would like to pass on our hearty congratulations to Denis Murphy and his team for their invaluable service to the community over the years.
Visit www.dsectc.ie for more information
By Rupert Heather
