Kerry women are ‘Moving On’ with very popular training and support programme
THE Moving On programme is going from strength to strength with almost 60 participants. Moving On is an exciting, new three year employment programme for women in Kerry.
The programme offers women training, support, work placements and links with employers.
The Moving On programme is co-ordinated by Lisa Fingleton and is based in the NEWKD offices in Listowel.
The project recently recruited Lisa O’Flaherty as the Employment Support Worker. Lisa has extensive experience in recruitment and employability programmes. She has excellent links with employers in Kerry and is a great addition to the programme.
Already 16 women are working part time or full time and a further 25 are on work experience.
According to Lisa O’Flaherty, the response from employers has been fantastic. “Employers are realising the benefits of being more flexible with their hours and offering part time work options. By doing this, they are tapping into a huge resource of skilled workers,” said Lisa.
“70% of the women on our programme completed post Leaving Cert qualifications and 44% have 3rd level education. They bring the necessary 21st century ‘new collar skills’ such as reliability, flexibility, team work and problem solving.
“Many women took time out to care for children or other family members and are now ready and committed to returning to work”.
The programme is very varied and responds to the needs of the participants.
“We have completed self development training, looking at issues such as confidence and becoming ‘job ready’. Women have also participated in certified training in food safety, manual handling and work experience,” said Lisa.
In addition, quite a large number of the women have creative skills such as drawing, painting, creative writing, design, graphics, crafts and cake decorating.
Last Wednesday the progamme held a Creative Showcase where women shared their talents to the group.
The Moving On programme is very excited about developing links with the Kerry Business Women’s Network. Lisa Fingleton will be speaking at the upcoming KBWN event for International Women’s Day on equality and diversity in the workplace.
The event will take place in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney on this Thursday, March 8 from 9.30am.
There is currently a waiting list for the next programme starting in September.
The 2018-19 programme will run in Tralee, Causeway or Dingle.
There will be a free twohour ‘ Moving On’ information seminar from 10am-12pm on Wednesday, April 11 at Aras an Phobail/ NEWKD, Tralee. This will be a great opportunity to hear about the programme and meet current participants.
If you would like to book a place contact: Lisa Fingleton on 087 710 1198, e-mail lisafingleton@newkd.ie For more information, visit: http://nekd.net/moving-on-project/