Paddy at work in the Burrendale Hotel

Like many tradesmen during the economic downturn Paddy McAuley, a self-employed bricklayer, found himself out of work. A skilled tradesman with 20 years’ experience Paddy was at low ebb.  He found it hard adjusting to a life lacking routine and stimulation provided by regular work.

In a bid to put structure back into his life and to earn some money Paddy, who hails from Dundrum, got a job in the Burrendale Hotel as a dishwasher.  It was a far cry from the building site but nonetheless Paddy enjoyed being back at work. It was here he met Ciaran Sansome, the Head Chef for the Burrendale Hotel. Ciaran was impressed by Paddy’s work-ethic and positive attitude and offered him a job as Preparation Chef.

Reinvigorated by his new job in the hospitality industry, Paddy took the brave decision to give up on a career in construction and retrain to become a chef.  With the encouragement of Ciaran, Paddy returned to education in September 2010, enrolling on a Level 2 Professional Cookery qualification at South Eastern Regional College (SERC).

He commented;

As a bricklayer of 20 years it was very difficult for me when the work dried up, I was not used to being out of work and missed the routine it provided. I suppose I stumbled into a new career in the hospitality industry but I am very happy that I have been able to turn my hand to another trade.

It was a big step returning to college, it had been a long-time since I had studied and the prospect of going back to ‘school’ was a daunting one. As soon as I met my tutors, Michelle McCarthy and Michael Gillies, I was totally at ease, they were fantastic and really helped me settle back into the classroom environment.

Just over a year later Paddy had successfully completed his Level 2 qualification and has recently progressed to the Level 3 qualification at SERC. He has also been promoted to Starter Chef in the Burrendale and was part of the team that won the ‘Taste of Ulster Award’.

Thoroughly enjoying his new career and return to education Paddy concluded;

The difference in my life is amazing, not only have I embarked on a new career but I have also met some wonderful people… I look forward to gaining further qualifications and more experience within the hospitality industry. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of a new career to go for it, it’s never too late.

(with thanks to South Eastern Regional College)

FALNI members at ALW 2012 launch in Stormont (with Basil McCrea MLA, front row right)

Adult Learners’ Week 2012 was officially launched by FALNI (Forum for Adult Learning NI) in the Long Gallery, Stormont on Tuesday.  Providers and learners from all sectors were joined by MLAs in a celebration of adult learning. A range of exhibitors showcased their contributution to adult learning and the different approaches used to meet learners’ needs.

The event was sponsored by DEL’s Employment and Learning Committee and guest speaker Basil McCrea, Chair of the committee, praised the contributions made by the  organisations present to adult learning in the community and the workplace.

The audience enjoyed presentations from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on their Health Care Support Worker Programme, and from NIACRO on the Big Lottery funded Man Matters Project (managed by the WEA).

Core to the launch were the stories of three learners: Sammy McIntyre and Paul Norney spoke about the confidence and enthusiasm for learning they had gained through the Man Matters Project and its importance in helping to build a more shared society. Paul O’Neill, a Health Care Support Worker at the Mater Hospital, talked about how the Trust programme had benefited his personal and career development.

FALNI members include: Age NI, Colleges NI, EGSA, ICTU, NICVA, OCNNI, OU, RCN, UCU, WEA and WRDA. Find out more about FALNI or follow them on twitter @adultlearningni.

Funded with £994,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Live and Learn programme, the project runs training and education courses in women’s centres across Northern Ireland.  It gives women the opportunity to take part in programmes including ICT, Aromatherapy, Administration and Childcare, as well as 1-1 mentoring, which helps to boost their confidence and self esteem and improving their qualifications and job opportunities.

The project works with women who can feel isolated and excluded and who may have a low level of self confidence. All of the courses are delivered in an encouraging, welcoming and supportive learning environment, giving women the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge which results in increased confidence and higher self esteem.  The project also supports the women involved by giving them childcare support and 1-1 mentoring.

WCRP Chair, Margaret Ward, said;

There are a number of barriers that prevent women accessing education and gaining work such as lack of affordable childcare, poor confidence and self-esteem, the cost of courses and the lack of flexibility when it comes to the times they are held. The organisations involved in the project are well experienced and well placed to help women overcome these barriers.

Find out more about the Big Lottery Fund on T: 028 9055 1455 and WCRP on T: 028 9023 0212.

(with thanks to Big Lottery NI)

Adult Learners’ Week 2012 (12-18 May) is the UK’s largest annual festival of learning;  inspiring thousands of people each year to find out how learning can change their lives and offer experiences for career development.

EGSA is pleased to support Volunteer Now, who are encouraging people to consider volunteering as an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, develop existing skills and participate in training programmes in preparation for future employment.

Adam at the Healthier Lives Book Club

Since graduating from the University of Ulster, Adam McCormick from Belfast has continued to look for further opportunities to develop his skills and gain experience. He is a young deaf sign language user and has always been motivated to empower other deaf people and to encourage them to access learning opportunities.

Many deaf people find that lots of barriers still exist within education. However Adam’s great achievements show that barriers can be overcome.

Roisin McGonagle, EGSA Guidance Adviser, knew that Adam had teaching experience and invited him to facilitate a book club for deaf people as part of the Big Lottery funded Healthier Lives Project. For many deaf sign language users, English is a second language. As the structure of English is different to sign language, some deaf people can find reading challenging. The book club has been meeting weekly since September 2011 with Adam as facilitator.

The feedback from the book club members has been fantastic. Harry said;

Adam makes the story feel like a drama

and Julie adds;

It’s the first time we have been at anything like this. We see words we don’t understand and we can ask questions… It’s fantastic!

Adam is now embarking on the “Teach Me” and “Teach Others” financial capability qualifications, offered through the Money for Life programme.  After completing the qualifications, Adam will deliver money advice sessions to deaf people through the Healthier Lives Project.  Adam feels he has really benefited from the opportunities created by the Project and he wants to continue to develop his teaching skills;

Since having been involved in this innovative project I have gained confidence through the experience of translating and teaching other people. It’s an inspiring project to work on and has opened doors to other work opportunities.

The Healthier Lives Project is led by Action on Hearing Loss and EGSA. For more information on the project please contact Roisin McGonagle on: T: 07834100702 or E: roisin.mcgonagle@egsa.org.uk

To find out more about financial capability qualifications, visit the Money for Life website or contact Kevin Donaghy/Paulette Lennon in EGSA on T: 028 9024 4274.

Don’t worry if the events listed below don’t suit you – there are many other ways to get involved in learning. You can start by reading more about advice for learning and work, hints and tips on how to find a course, information on student finance and career and learning factfiles. Or why not contact us on T: 028 9024 4274 or E: info@egsa.org.uk

12-18 May 2012 Events Calendar

All week

Belfast

Pitman Training information week
Where: Pitman Training, 60 Great Victoria Street, Belfast
Contact: 028 9099 6825
Just call in with your CV or give their advisers a call – they will supply tea/coffee and advice on their courses. First lesson free!

“Creativity Thirst” Exhibition
Where: Space Craft, Fountain Centre, Belfast
Students from the WEA “Creativity Thirst” programme will be exhibiting their work in Space Craft until 2 June.
Contact: Carole Kane, WEA, T: 028 9032 9718

Derry

Launch of North West Regional College’s Guide to Courses
The college will be promoting the Guide from 12 May and will feature the experiences of adults who have previously studied at the college. Enrolments open on 22 May.
Contact: Visit the North West Regional College website for more information.

Moira

Adults Returning to Work display
Where: Moira Library, library opening hours
Contact: 028 9261 9330
Just call in to view the display

Saturday 12 May

Omagh

Panel discussion – conflict in mid 17th century Ireland
Where: Mellon Centre for Migration Studies, Omagh, 1-4pm
Contact: 028 8225 6315
Booking essential

Monday 14 May

Ballymena

ICT for beginners
Where: Harryville Partnership (WEA course)
Enrolment essential – if this class is full, a waiting list will be drawn up for September
Contact: Carole Kane, T: 028 9032 9718

Belfast

Windsor Women’s Centre open day
Where: Windsor Women’s Centre, 136-144 Broadway, 10.30am onwards
Drop in for tea/coffee and a cupcake and find out what learning is on offer – early bird enrolment also available
Contact: Yvonne or Wendy on T: 028 9023 5451

Recalling the 1950s
Where: Tullycarnet Library, 10.30am-12 noon
Contact: 028 9048 5079
Booking advisable

EGSA Information Stand
Where: Windsor Women’s Centre
Contact: Nikki Sullivan, T: 028 9024 4274 or E: nikki.sullivan@egsa.org.uk

WEA information session
Where: WEA, 3 Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast, 9am-5pm
One to one sessions for anyone thinking about getting back to learning. Come along for free advice and guidance on WEA courses and workshops. Booking essential.
Contact: Kelly Barbour, T: 028 9032 9718, E: kelly.barbour@wea-ni.com

Larne

Family history on the web
Where: Larne Library, 6pm-8pm
Contact: 028 2827 7047
Booking essential

Tuesday 15 May

Banbridge

Launch of Southern Regional College’s Retail Skills Shop
Where: FE McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge, 8.30am-9.30am
Contact: 028 3839 7842 or email retail@src.ac.uk
The event will inform local retailers of the new Skills Shop and the qualifications on offer.

Belfast

Adult Learners’ Week Launch (Forum for Adult Learning NI)
Where: Long Gallery, Stormont, 12.15pm
Invitation only
Contact: Colin Neilands, WEA, T: 028 9032 9718

Student funding workshop for practitioners
Where: EGSA, Belfast, 2pm-3.30pm
Contact: Paulette Lennon, T: 028 9024 4274
Read more about the student funding workshop on our website.

EGSA Information Stand
Where: Belfast City Hospital
Contact: Nikki Sullivan, T: 028 9024 4274 or E: nikki.sullivan@egsa.org.uk

ASDA Customer Service Skills
Where: Ballybeen Women’s Centre, 10am-12noon
Contact: Amanda Marshall, T: 028 9048 1632
Booking essential

First steps in social media for the community/voluntary sector
Where: EGSA, Belfast
Contact: Anne Welsh, T: 028 9024 4274
Invitation only but read more about our open house session on 23 May

Tracing your ancestors
Where: Grove Library, Belfast, 11am-12noon
Contact: 028 9050 9244
Booking advisable

Carrickfergus

Digital photography workshop
Where: Carrickfergus Library, 6.30pm-8pm
Contact: 028 93336 2261
Booking essential

Developing skills for gaining employment
Where: Sunnylands/Woodburn YMCA (WEA course)
Enrolment essential – if this class is full, a waiting list will be drawn up for September
Contact: Carole Kane, T: 028 9032 9718

Cookstown

Easy remedies for family emergencies (homeopathy talk and workshop)
Where: Cookstown Library, 7pm-8pm
Contact: 028 8676 3702
Booking advisable

Derry

Family history on the web
Where: Derry Central Library, 11am-12noon
Contact: 028 7127 2310
Booking essential

Omagh

Grape expectations (wine tasting and book event)
Where: Omagh Library, 7pm-8pm
Contact: 028 8224 4821
Booking essential

Portadown

Southern Trust certificates presentation
Where: Portadown Health Centre, 10.15am-1.15pm
Invitation only
The event will celebrate learners who have recently completed their Level 3 Customer Service qualification through Southern Regional College.

Wednesday 16 May

Belfast

Healthier Lives Book Club (for deaf and hard of hearing adults)
Where: EGSA Belfast office, morning
If you are interested in joining the book club, contact Roisin McGonagle on T: 028 9024 4274,  Mob: 07834100702, E: roisin.mcgonagle@egsa.org.uk

EGSA Information Stand
Where: Royal Victoria Hospital
Contact: Nikki Sullivan, T: 028 9024 4274 or E: nikki.sullivan@egsa.org.uk

CS Lewis: a talk by Sandra Smith
Where: Holywood Arches Library, Belfast, 6.45pm-7.45pm
Contact: 028 9050 9216
Booking advisable

Everyday First Aid
Where: Ballybeen Women’s Centre, 10am-12noon
Contact: Amanda Marshall, T: 028  9048 1632

NIACRO awards ceremony
Where: NIACRO, Belfast
Contact: Claire Humphries, T: 028 9032 0157
Invitation only
The event will celebrate learners from NIACRO’s Jobtrack programme

WEA career information session
Where: Lisburn Road Library, Belfast, 11am-12noon
Come along for free advice and guidance on WEA courses and career options.
Booking essential.
Contact: Caitriona Livingstone, T: 028 9032 9718, E: caitriona.livingstone@wea-ni.com

Carrickfergus

Homework help (for parents of 8/9 year olds)
Where: Carrickfergus Library, 11am – 12noon
Contact: 028 9336 2261
Booking essential

Downpatrick

Dig down and discover your ancestors (family history on the web)
Where: Downpatrick Library, 11am-12noon and 3pm-4pm
Contact: 028 4461 2895
Booking essential

Maghera

Family history on the web
Where: Maghera Library, 2pm-4pm
Contact: 028 7964 2578
Booking essential

Rathfriland

Family history workshop
Where: Rathfriland Library, 11am-12noon and 2pm-3pm
Contact: 028 4063 0661
Booking essential

Thursday 17 May

Ballycastle

Sugar crafting workshop
Where: Ballycastle Library, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Contact: 028 2076 2566
Booking advisable

Belfast

NICVA awards ceremony
Where: NICVA, Belfast
Contact: Roisin Kelly, T: 028 9087 7777
Invitation only

EGSA Information Stand
Where: Mater Hospital and SureStart Mums and Toddlers, Markets Community Centre
Contact: Nikki Sullivan, T: 028 9024 4274 or E: nikki.sullivan@egsa.org.uk

Cultivate your talent – junk jewellery workshop
Where: West Belfast Partnership Board, Falls Road, 12.45pm-1.45pm
Contact: Janice McHenry, T: 028 9080 9202, E: janice@wbpb.org
Invitation only

Carrickfergus

Pop-Up Market/Skills Workshop
Where: Carrickfergus Library, 10.30am-3pm (craft workshop 2pm-3pm)
Booking advisable
Contact: 028 9336 2261

Comber

Grape Expectations (wine tasting and book event)
Where: Comber Library, 6.30pm-8pm
Contact: 028 9187 2610
Booking essential

Dungannon

History Fair (local history exhibitors and stalls)
Where: Dungannon Library, 10am-2pm
Contact: 028 8772 2952
Just call in – no booking required

Lisburn

Homework help (for parents of 8/9 year olds)
Where: Lisburn Library, 11am – 12noon
Contact: 028 9263 3350
Booking essential

Omagh

Dig down and discover your ancestors (family history on the web)
Where: Omagh Library, 2pm-3pm
Contact: 028 8224 4821
Booking essential

Friday 18 May

Across N Ireland

Silver Surfers’ Day (IT taster sessions for the over 50s)
Where: Libraries across NI, 1 hour sessions between 10am-4pm
Contact: contact your local library to find out more
Booking essential

Other

Southern Regional College campuses

Southern Regional College courses now enrolling
The following courses will be starting during Adult Learners’ Week, contact Southern Regional College to find out more:

• A taste of French (advanced) – Banbridge and Newry
• A taste of Italian (advanced) – Newry
• A taste of Spanish (advanced) – Lurgan and Newry
• A taste of wine – Banbridge
• Introduction to photoshop for digital camera users – Lurgan
• CACHE Level 3 Working with children with disabilities and special needs – Newry

Eileen Blair (left), In the Loop learner, with Roisin McGonagle, EGSA

The NIOCN level 2 accredited programme aims to bridge the gap between public authorities, organisations seeking to attract more people with disabilities and those who want their voices to be heard on committees and in public life positions.

Programme participants commented:

 That was brilliant. I never would have believed that I could do that, I feel amazing.

This has been the best course I have ever done, I did not realise that being part of a committee was so important and I will use the skills I have learned to be a better committee member.

I will be able to pass this information on to the people I know and I will now be much more confident about my rights and the rights of others.

Nick Livingston, Director of the Arts Council NI, awarded the certificates:

I felt privileged to be invited to take part in the presentation of certificates to those who had volunteered to be the ‘first footers’ of the ‘In The Loop’ training programme.  It was a convivial occasion made special through the personal stories of the participants whose lives, and those of their loved ones, have been touched variously by hearing loss.

Contact Roisin to find out more about the Healthier Lives Project:

T: 028 9024 4274
Mobile or text: 07834100702
E: roisin.mcgonagle@egsa.org.uk

Student finance

Do you work in the further education sector and provide advice and support to learners?

Are your clients:

• unsure of the student support that may be available if they enter further education?
• concerned about how returning to education could affect their benefits?

We’re running a free information session for practitioners, which will cover:

• ELB funding for further education; for example Access courses, Certificates and Diplomas
• the potential impact of student financial support on benefits, including a brief  overview of the proposed changes to welfare benefits
• signposting to other organisations

Where:  EGSA, 4^th floor, 40 Linenhall street, Belfast, BT2 8BA
When:   Tuesday 15^th May, 2pm – 3.30pm

To book a place please email: moneyforlife@egsa.org.uk or contact Paulette at T: 028 9024 4274

• Help you develop your facilitation skills and understand which methods work with specific groups?
• Help you plan and structure a timed session?
• Give you an accredited qualification?
• Give you the skills and confidence to help your clients manage their money better?
• Help you deal with difficult situations in a learning environment?

If so, then Teach Others – a 2 day accredited taught course at OCN Level 3 – may be for you.  Dates and venue have not yet been confirmed but if you are interested  and would like further information, please contact Paulette at T: 028 9024 4274 or E: paulette.lennon@egsa.org.uk

The training is offered through the Money for Life Programme.

Geraldine first came in contact with EGSA when she attended a group session focusing on opportunity awareness.  She then had one to one guidance with our adviser Rosemary after the session.

Geraldine had previously worked in accounts and was qualified as an auditor.  She also had qualifications in recruitment and in Business Management.  Despite her range of qualifications and experience, she was extremely nervous about the prospect of returning to work.  Lack of confidence had made her hesitant about applying for jobs.

Rosemary helped Geraldine to start to identify her transferable skills and together they worked on building her CV.  Geraldine had been volunteering with a mental health organisation for several years and mentioned a recent job vacancy. With Rosemary’s encouragement, she completed an application form for the position.

We were delighted to hear from Geraldine that she had been successful in getting the job.

She said;

I got the finance job I’d applied for!  I almost didn’t apply for it but now I’m really happy at work – thanks for all your advice.

Is a lack of confidence about your skills holding you back from applying for jobs?  Are you unsure about your next steps?  Why not contact us to find out more about our services?

Got a story to tell?  Why not share your experiences of adult learning or career plans? Contact EGSA or leave a comment below.