Capitalise on the revived job market upon graduation
AS THE Irish economy slowly returns to life and businesses across the country continue to reopen, there are opportunities anew for those impacted by the coronavirus.
By choosing to further your education and enhance your skills right now, while the nation recovers from the coronavirus, you could be perfectly placed to capitalise on the revived job market upon graduation.
And for those who can’t commit to three years in college, or can’t travel out of county to attend classes, there are a variety of options available right here in Wexford.
WWETB (Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board) offer a variety of training courses across the South East of Ireland. Training courses are delivered in purpose built training centres by experienced staff, who provide the very highest standard of training under the national government Department of Education and Skills brand ‘ETB’.
The courses are suitable for jobseekers, people entering the workforce for the first time, early school leavers, people with disabilities, those wishing to change careers and are looking to refresh their knowledge or gain new skills.
WWETB offer full-time day courses, evening courses and community-based courses which are designed to improve the skills of people who may need additional support to obtain a job or progress to higher-level training.
Courses are available at Wexford and New Ross Youthreach, the Wexford Training Centre, the Adult Literacy Service in Gorey, in both Enniscorthy and Gorey Vocational Schools, and in Selskar College among others.
The courses range from Hairdressing, Business Management and Early Childhood Care to Art, Craft & Design and Nursing with many available to start in the coming weeks.
QQI Level 5 or 6 qualifications are on offer for those who graduate and the prospect of a new career or progression to third-level.
The majority of the courses run for at least six months but there are shorter ones available also. Training courses provided by the ETB Training Centres are free (except for evening courses) and you may be paid a training allowance for the duration of your course. You can also claim an accommodation allowance if you need to live away from home for the duration of the course or a travel allowance. You may qualify for a free childcare place for your child. FET allowances are not taxable.
You can apply for the Back to Education Allowance if you are hoping to attend a Post Leaving Certificate Course or Institute of Education, fulltime. For further information on moving from Social Welfare to training or education please check www.welfare. ie for benefits and supports.
If you are hoping to attend a Post Leaving Certificate Course (PLC) you may be able to get a student grant to help with living expenses while you are in education. Please check www. susi.ie for more information.
Your local Intreo Office can advise if you are entitled to any allowances whilst on a training course.
In addition to WWETB courses, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) provides an extensive range of supports to local business communities. Its confidential advisory service is open to anyone exploring self employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business.
The LEO operates an ‘Information Centre’, business clients are welcome to discuss their venture with a Business Advisor. They can help you to identify the most appropriate supports/steps to take to advance your business proposition.
Staff will also provide direction on soft supports such as training programmes, mentoring and business development initiatives.
To assist the small business community in meeting the challenges of the business world, LEOs provide a wide range of high-quality training supports which are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is starting a business or growing a business there is something suitable for everyone.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office for their latest training programmes and events schedule at info@leo. wexfordcoco.ie