Each of the legacy Down District Council DEA Forums has identified skills shortages as a priority in their action plans. In response to this Coordinators of Rowallane, Slieve Croob and Downpatrick Fora, in association with the South Eastern Regional College (SERC), have arranged an information evening to present the options for further education and training.
The information evening will be held at the Ballynahinch Campus, Church Street, Ballynahinch on Thursday 17th August 2017. It will commence with a fork supper at 6.30 for a 7.00 p.m. start.
The evening is aimed at individuals who wish to return to education having left school with no or few qualifications and also community groups who may be in a position to cascade the information to others.
Following supper SERC will make a presentation on The Restart Education Programme and staff will be on hand to answer any questions that may arise and register interest in the course.
The Restart Education Programme allows people to develop skills while also gaining a positive experience of learning in a way that is enjoyable and supportive and there are no formal qualifications required to join the course. The course is very suitable for people who left school without formal qualifications and now wish to return to education. The timetable is flexible and arranged to permit young parents to do the ‘school run’. The course is assignment and portfolio based so there are no formal examinations to sit, as it is understood that the pressures of exams could be daunting for those wishing to return to education.
The Course was initially piloted at the Newcastle campus and proved a resounding success with students progressing to University and undertaking degree courses.
We encourage individuals and groups to attend the information evening and would be grateful if you could circulate the information as widely as possible to as many who would be interested in taking up the opportunity to develop their skills.
To facilitate catering arrangements attendees are required to register by either telephoning 02897564113 or by emailing claire.hamilton-bryce@nmandd.org on or before Friday 11th August, 2017.