18 August 2017
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Jim Daly TD (Left) pictured at the event
More than 40 students of the National Learning Network (NLN) in Bantry have been honoured for their “inspirational efforts”.
The certification ceremony, held in the Bantry NLN centre on Thursday afternoon, was attended by West Cork based Junior Minister Jim Daly TD (Fine Gael). It recognised “the dedication and efforts made by students studying NLN courses”.
Students who attend the National Learning Network, which is a division of the Rehab Group, received their certificates after completing a range of courses designed to support people to get a job or to progress to further education.
Several students, who have since went on to further education or secured employment, attended the inspirational event with their family and friends.
Richard Doyle, who was a student on the Foundation training programme, spoke proudly of his achievement in completing the course.
“When I joined the centre last October I wasn’t the same person as you see standing before you today,” Richard told those gathered at the ceremony. “I was very insecure about myself, very quiet, shy and spending most of my time on my own.”
He added: “Since then I have noticed a significant change in me as a person. I feel now that anything that is put in front of me, I will not shy away from. I have learnt amazing new skills and even rediscovered skills that I forgot I ever had.”
Minister Daly, who has special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, congratulated all of the students receiving their certificates.
“Each of you receiving an award today should be very proud of your accomplishments,” said Minister Daly. “…The skills you have garnered over your time here in NLN will set you up for the future, whether that is in employment or in further education or, simply, in your personal life as a member of the community.”
Dr Fiona Brennan, National Learning Network manager, said that it was humbling to see students achieving.
Dr Brennan added: “All of the student have put in a lot of dedication, hard work, and courage to get this far. Each of the students have received a nationally recognised award and qualification that will help them to secure employment or go on to further education.
“Most of all, they have developed skills to improve their independence, wellbeing, and give them the confidence to participate in their own communities and workplaces.
Representatives from the Rehab Group and Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) also attended the event.
NLN in Bantry, in partnership with the HSE and CETB, provide a range of training courses to people who have a disability, or those who’ve had an accident, illness, injury or require extra supports.
The NLN centre in Bantry works on a continuous intake basis throughout the year. If you are interested in furthering your skills or getting support to get a job, please contact the centre directly on 027 51027 or go to www.nln.ie.
About National Learning Network
National Learning Network specialises in the delivery of recognised and accredited programmes to people who need specialist support. We are the largest private provider of personalised education, training and employment services in Ireland.
NLN offers over 70 training, education and community-based rehabilitative training programmes focusing on wellness and employment preparation. The people who use NLN’s services need specialist supports for a range of reasons. We work with people who experience health conditions, illness, disability, mental health difficulty, trauma, addiction, economic isolation or challenging life circumstances. We support people to make successful transitions, whatever their stage in life. We can help with transition from school to the adult environment, with access to vocational training and education with getting a job, recovery and wellness, improving people’s health, enhancing quality of life and achieving successful inclusion in the community. NLN’s services are aligned to international best practice models of social and vocational rehabilitation.
About Rehab
Rehab is a charity that champions the value of diversity and inclusion for people with a disability or disadvantage in their communities. Our mission is to help the people we serve to be more independent and to contribute to and be more included in their communities; empowering them with the skills and confidence to be active in the workforce, and supporting them to be in charge of their health and wellness. Over 20,000 people use Rehab’s services – children and adults with disability, people on the autism spectrum, people with mental health difficulties and people who are disadvantaged in some way in the labour market. More than 3,200 employees deliver Rehab’s services in over 170 locations in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
