Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) piloted a new course titled ‘Introduction to Construction” in Athy Town. This 25 week course, run as a Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) programme, commenced in January 2015 and finished in July 2015.
The course was aimed at the long term unemployed, early school leavers and those aged under 25 although anybody over the age of 16 could apply. 35 applications were received and 18 learners were accepted onto the course following a successful interview.
By focusing on equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, competence and expertise to develop a range of basic construction skills this course aimed to introduce learners to the trades industry. While some had experience in the construction sector, albeit limited, most had none. An expected outcome of this course was that learners would progress to employment in the sector or to further education, including apprenticeship.
The course focused on the practical and theoretical aspects of construction with one to one support, computers, career planning and adult education guidance underpinning the various practical modules on the course.
Learners were offered Safe Pass training and 11 obtained their Safe Pass Card.
The course finished on the 16th July 2015 and was an overwhelming success. 11 participants successfully completed the course achieving the Employability Skills in Construction Level 3 (Major) award. Three participants left the course early as they successfully gained full – time or part time employment in the locality.
The practical element of the course proved to be a huge success in attracting and retaining participants on the course.
Many participants are now keen to progress to QQI Level 4 modules in September 2015 which KWETB will run as part of the Autumn 2015 Programme. A waiting list has been compiled for the Level 3 course and a new group of students will join the Introduction to Construction course at Level 3 in Athy Town in September 2015.
Following the success of this pilot programme KWETB plan to deliver the Introduction to Construction course in Wicklow Youthreach and FETC Kildare Town in Autumn 2015. Community stakeholders, including DSP and Local Employment Services Networks, have commended KWETB on their expansion into practical skills based courses and expressed the hope that this Introduction to Construction course will become a feature of Further Education and Training provision in many centres across Kildare and Wicklow.
Further information on the course can be obtained from Roy Brennan, [email protected] or Imelda Carroll, [email protected].
Introduction to Construction Skills Course is a Huge Success in Athy, Co. Kildare
September 2015 19