More than 30 students attending the National Learning Network (NLN), Letterkenny, were honoured at a graduation ceremony in the town yesterday.
They were recognised for their achievements and successful completion of their supportive training courses, funded by the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB).
National Learning Network is a progressive leader in the delivery of personalised education. In collaboration with Donegal ETB, the service provides a diverse range of vocational programmes for people with disabilities or people requiring additional supports.
Students were presented with QQI certificates having completed various inclusive training programmes, which aim to develop their personal, social and work-related skills, enabling them to secure jobs or go on to further or higher education.
Back row from left to right- Paddy Gildea- Gildea Butchers, Anne Watters DSP, Declan Doherty DSP, Stephen Cleary DSP, Bernadette White DSP, Said Ben Salem Future Style Barbers.
Front row from left to right – Aileen Fitzpatrick NLN Manager-
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Sean D’arcy NLN Regional Manager
Lorraine Murray ETB Senior Training Adviser
The event was attended by representatives from Donegal Education and Training Board and National Learning Network, stakeholders, staff, family and friends.
NLN Letterkenny manager Aileen Fitzpatrick, said: “This is a proud day for NLN staff and our partners, Donegal ETB.
“Our collective goal is to harness the strengths of all of our students, to bring their talents to the fore and help them develop confidence and connections within the community. This award ceremony is a great day to celebrate their hard-earned accomplishments.
“NLN prides itself in supporting personal development and growth in its students. This will be momentous day for the students and we are very proud to have been a part of their learning journey.”
Aiden Kelly, parent
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Vinny McGroary, area training manager at Donegal ETB, congratulated all the students on their achievements and acknowledged the hurdles they had to overcome to do so, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vinny also highlighted “the immense contribution of our training partners, the NLN, who provide an excellent personalised
service to all the students.”
“Having listened to the speakers at the event which included students, employers and a parent of one of the award recipients, it was obvious to all present how important these relationships are in contributing to the development and achievements of the students in a wide range of areas.”
Back row from left to right- Brenda Gallagher and Caroline Baird – Instructors and Students
Front row from left to right – Aileen Fitzpatrick NLN Manager-
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Sean D’arcy NLN Regional Manager
Lorraine Murray ETB Senior Training Adviser
Back row from left to right- Brenda Gallagher and Caroline Baird – Instructors and Students
Front row from left to right – Aileen Fitzpatrick NLN Manager-
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Sean D’arcy NLN Regional Manager
Lorraine Murray ETB Senior Training Adviser
Students from various NLN vocational training courses attended on the day to receive their awards, which range from levels 3–5 on the national framework of qualifications.
The popular Employability Skills course is designed to give students a baseline of skills needed for employment and further education in today’s modern world.
The Office Administration courses provides students with an overview of all the processes and applications needed to run a modern office.
The Retail Skills course gives students a fantastic insight into the key elements involved in the retail sector with modules such as stock control, retail sales techniques, and customer service, skills which are transferable into all aspects of working life.
NLN offers fully-funded courses to people aged from 16 to 65 who need additional support including people who have a mental health issue, autism, or who have had an accident, illness, injury, or have a physical or learning disability. Vocational training courses are funded by Donegal Education and Training Board. NLN Letterkenny is located at Rossview Business Park.
Back row from left to right – Ruairi Friel Instructor and students
Front row from left to right – Aileen Fitzpatrick NLN Manager-
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Sean D’arcy NLN Regional Manager
Lorraine Murray ETB Senior Training Adviser
Back row from left to right- Instructors -Ruairi Friel, Olivia Gillespie, Heather Peoples, Gina Farren -Secretary, Sinead McAteer Rehabilitative Officer, Caroline Baird, Brenda Gallagher
Front row from left to right – Aileen Fitzpatrick NLN Manager-
Vinny McGroary- DETB Area Training Manager
Sean D’arcy NLN Regional Manager
Lorraine Murray ETB Senior Training Adviser
NLN’s range of certified courses are tailored to each student’s needs, to help them to build their confidence while gaining practical skills in order to get a job or go on to further or higher education. NLN operates on continuous intake, which means people can begin a course at a time that suits them. There are no CAO points required.
Students attending NLN include people who have autism, a learning, physical, sensory or intellectual disability, mental health issues or social anxiety, or people recovering from an accident or illness.
Visit www.nln.ie to find out more or email: letterkenny@nln.ie.
