The Galway Rural Development SICAP team l to r: Clara Cashman, Aoibheann McCann, Freeda Garman and Fiona Blaney pictured at the launch of the Learning for Life Autumn Roadshow which will showcase information on free training, job opportunities and apprenticeships for jobseekers as well as workshops on CV preparation and interview skills. The roadshow runs from 10am to 1pm every day and kicks off on Tuesday 12th September in Peacockes of Maam Cross, then on to Oranmore on Wednesday 13th September in The Maldron Hotel, the following week Portumna Community Hall on Tuesday 19th September and The Oaklands Hotel, Glenamaddy on Wednesday 20th Sept. They’ll be in The Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam on Thursday 28th September and in Ballinasloe’s Shearwater Hotel on Wednesday 4th October. Members of the public are welcome free of charge. www.grd.ie; Fáilte roimh chách. Photo: Michael Burke

Issued: Wednesday 6^th September 2017

The Galway Rural Development SICAP team launch the Autumn Learning for Life Roadshow this week with details of workshops on CV preparation and interview skills as well as an interesting line up of information on apprenticeships, job opportunities and free training courses available throughout County Galway. Members of the public are welcome to this free event, in particular people who are currently at home or not in the work force. The roadshow runs from 10am to 1pm every day and kicks off on Tuesday 12^th September in Peacockes of Maam Cross, then on to Oranmore on Wednesday 13^th September in The Maldron Hotel, the following week Portumna Community Hall on Tuesday 19^th September and The Oaklands Hotel, Glenamaddy on Wednesday 20^th Sept. They’ll be in The Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam on Thursday 28^th September and in Ballinasloe’s Shearwater Hotel on Wednesday 4^th October.  Fáilte roimh chách – All are welcome. Saor in aisce – free of charge.

Learning for Life will showcase job opportunities, apprenticeships as well as free course and training provided by GRETB (formerly VEC), Galway Rural Development Company,  VTOS, Post leaving Cert courses, Dept. of Social Protection, Equal Ireland, Adult Literacy, Athlone Institute of Technology, NUI Galway, GMIT and other colleges throughout the county. Local employers with jobs in hospitality and homecare will be on hand also.

Do you feel you could do more with your ability and time? Could you do with a bit of encouragement to start a course that might develop a new interest or perhaps a job opportunity? Freeda Garman, Clara Cashman and Fiona Blaney of the SICAP team at GRD in Athenry are busy organising the Autumn Learning for Life Roadshow. ‘My advice is to put your best foot forward with an up-to-date CV which will help you get to the all-important interview. Planning your answers in advance is a great start to making a good impression at a job interview,’ commented Fiona Blaney, Training and Development Officer who will present short workshops giving expert guidance on how to do your CV and valuable tips on how to prepare for a job interview.

‘The Learning for Life events held in May were very well attended, we have followed up with these people and many have found courses that they will begin in September. We meet so many people with lots of talent, natural ability and intelligence who didn’t get the educational opportunities in the past or just need some encouragement. We are making every effort to bring training and upskilling opportunities to people in County Galway,’ commented Aoibheann McCann, SICAP Team Leader, GRD.

‘We have seen the knock-on effects and the benefits to individuals and families when Mams or Dads develop a new skill and grow in confidence. If you know someone that you could encourage or perhaps bring along to the Learning for Life Roadshow, please do so, that would be great support to them,’ said Freeda Garman of the SICAP Team.

For people who are keen to get back to work, there are lots of courses and advice which can bring you right up to date in IT, computers, construction, customer service, accounts and representatives of the Dept. of Social Protection will also provide advice on your current entitlement to return to education and other supports and benefits.

The Learning for Life series is part of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and Galway Rural Development Company are delivering this programme in County Galway.

Check out www.grd.ie for full details or their facebook page with updates. Maybe you’d like to arrange to meet GRD’s Adult Education Officers Freeda or Clara for a free and confidential advisory session – feel free to telephone 091 844335 or email fgarman@grd.ie;  You are also welcome to meet GRD’s Staff who are Connemara based: Deirdre, Gearóid, Nórah and Mícheal on the day for a free and confidential advisory session to help you make a plan for the future. Tel. 091 574858.

ENDS

For more information please contact Máirín O’Reilly, Mór Public Relations – 087 2407903; mairin@morpr.com;