An opportunity to progress in life at National Learning Network in Clonmel

The National Learning Network has been delivering training and education courses in Clonmel for over 30 years and is based at Roseville on the Western Road.

The National Learning Network is the training and education part of the Rehab Group and offers training and education to students needing extra supports, returning to training after illness or injury.
Some of the supports available to access include rehabilitation officer/regional psychologist and resource teaching.

EMPLOYMENT
The NLB offer a range of courses that support students to progress into employment, higher or further education or training.
Training is student-centred and each student has a detailed individual training plan ensuring their particular needs are addressed.

Potential students get the opportunity to sample the courses and all of the programmes are continuous intake. All class sizes are small.

Literacy and numeracy classes are available to students who wish to improve their education skills as required by the courses.
“We understand that through learning, students can grow in confidence and reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on the flexibility of our courses, which are all designed to meet the individual needs of each student. We set ourselves apart from other training bodies by addressing all the factors that affect how a student learns. Our unique method of training enables students to reach their potential in a way that takes account of personal, social and environmental requirements,” said Kitty Galvin Hennessy, NLN Area Manager.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Taking on a course at the NLN is all about opportunity. All courses are free and there are no CAO points required. Students keep any social welfare payments and transport allowances may be available.
High quality work experiences and recognised QQI qualifications are two of the most attractive features of the courses.

Typically those who take on courses at the NLN in Clonmel include early school leavers, those who might have had a setback in life due to illness or injury, people with mental health issues and learning difficulties, people with physical disabilities, autism and those recovering from addictions.

COURSES AVAILABLE

Employment, retail and technology skills are among the courses on offer in Clonmel at the NLN.

Retail Skills with information technology
The certification is QQI accredited level 4 major award in retail skills. This will include retail payments, stock control, retail sales, customer service, work experience, communications, personal effectiveness and workplace safety. The ICDl this course offers include word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, online essentials, online collaboration and computer essentials. “Students will also be given a progression /transition plan that will assist students to progress to higher or further education or employment,” said course tutor Lar O’Shea.

Employer based training programme
The certification offers on this programme is QQI level 4 major award Employment Skills.
The subjects include workplace safety, career planning, communications, functional maths, customer service, personal effectiveness, understanding inter culturalism, work experience and information technology.
“Each student will train in a real work environment in an area of their choice 3 days a week and attend the centre 2 days a week to work towards their major award. The student decides on the area of employment they are interested in, the Instructor will then source the work placement.
Throughout your training you will receive support in your work placement and regular site visits. The student will also receive psychological, advocacy and educational supports,” said course tutor Noelette Ryan.

ICDL CORE AND ICDL ADVANCED
Students on the general learning with ICDL programme learn a wide variety of QQI Level 4 modules. These include communications, information technology, work place safety, functional mathematics, information technology computer applications, business English and work experience.
“During their general learning programme, students have the opportunity to complete a work experience placement. These work placements have proved very beneficial, providing students with opportunities to learn and develop towards a future career path,” said course tutor Gerry Burke.

OPTIONS REHABILITATIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME
2 QQI acCredited major awards are offered in the QQI level 2 general learning and QQI level 3 employability skills.
This will include modules on non verbal communication, personal care, health related exercise and computer skills. Level 3 modules include career preparation, work experience, managing personal finances, internet skills, community participation, word processing and health and fitness.
“Our course aims to give students the skills and knowledge to make the most of their opportunities and to allow them to explore transition and progression routes that suit them,” said tutor Michelle Power.
“We offer a course sample for two weeks to give potential students the chance to look at what the course entails,” said tutor Rita McCormack.
For anybody interested in joining any of the programmes contact the NLN at 052 6181555 or email at clonmel@nln.ie

OTHER SERVICES
Other services on offer at The National Learning Network, Clonmel include an Ancaire Autism Outreach Support Service.
This is an outreach support service for clients with autism. This service aims to enhance our clients lives through interventions that reflect the individuals’ area of need and interest.
AUTISM OUTREACH SERVICE
Interventions focus on social and communication skills, perspective taking skills, community skills, organisational skills, independent living skills, ASD awareness and social groups.