Special training courses for long-term unemployed

Long-term jobseekers in the Midlands are set to benefit from a new initiative which will assist 6,500 people to gain in-demand skills and to access work in sectors of the economy where there are job opportunities. The Momentum programme launched last week by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn and the Minister of State for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon will provide free education and training projects for up to 6,500 long-term jobseekers. The programmes will include on-the job training in the form of work experience modules as well as the development of the workplace skills required to obtain and retain employment. Some 36 education and training providers from both the private and public sector will be offering 62 individual Momentum programmes in 87 locations across the country, including Athlone. These projects will be in the expanding employment areas of ICT, digital media, healthcare and social services, the green economy, food processing and sales and marketing. Specific projects will also be available for those under 25 to assist them to enter or return to employment including, 'Train To Work Opportunities', 'Green Pathways' and a Graduate Activation Programme. Courses are free, full and part-time and are aligned to levels 3 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or to an industry required certification within the sector. The projects range in duration from 11 weeks - 45 weeks. Cpl Learning and Development has indicated that it will provide participants with training in the food and healthcare industries in Athlone certified by FETAC. The courses will run for a period of up to six months, including a work placement period of approximately three months. Participants in the scheme will also be entitled to retain their Social Welfare benefits for the duration of the course. Courses will take place across the country, including in Athlone, commencing in January and February 2013. The food process technicians course will begin in Athlone on January 30, whilst the food handling operatives course starts on January 25 and the healthcare assistant training course begins on January 16. Meanwhile in digital media, Digital Skills Academy will offer a course in Web Activate 2.0 in the Midlands,