Innovative training approach for people with disabilities.
A major training initiative is starting mid September for
people with disabilities in the Enniscorthy and North Wexford
area. This project is a result of the successful completion
of a pilot programme last year between, FÁS, Enniscorthy
Enterprise and Technology Centre, Waterford Institute of
Technology, The Wexford Enterprise Board and Wexford Partnership.
The initiative has been made possible through further FÁS
Funding and should be of major benefit to the projects trainees.
The Data Processing Project (DPP) is a financial and administrative
project that gives people with disabilities the opportunity
to gain a qualification that will significantly enhance
their employment prospects. A fresh innovative approach
to training is used in an office based environment, which
simulates working in a busy office and also allows the student
to learn outside a typical classroom. This approach prepares
the student both academically and for mainstream employment.
Recent Visit by
Taniste Mary Coughlan
The project is run over a 64 week period whi
ch includes a 10 week work placement module. The Qualifications
are both Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC)
and Further Education Training Awards Council (FETAC). The
HETAC certifications are awarded by Waterford Institute
of Technology for Financial Accounting, IT for Small businesses,
Marketing (optional) and Personal Development. There are
8 FETAC modules that combined will result in a diploma.
It is felt that the combination of modules and certifications
used equate to skills that employers want and value. This
and the fact that the training is carried out in Enniscorthy
Enterprise and Technology Centre offers a unique business
situation, where the trainees are interacting with businesses
located in the centre. They will experience a busy working
environment and hopefully develop a good working and business
acumen.
For further information about the programme you can contact
Robbie Mc Cabe (DPP Project Manager) at Waterford Institute
of Technology Enterprise Support Unit, Milehouse Road, Enniscorthy,
Tel: 053-9237499 or email: robbie@eetc.ie
