The 9th annual ‘Moving On’ Seminar took place recently, providing plenty of food for thought for learners in the Youthreach and Community Training space. The annual event gives much appreciated guidance and support to those preparing to embark on progression pathways into Further Education and Training and employment.
Due to Covid restrictions, the event was once again a virtual occasion, which was spread out over five consecutive mornings online.
This hybrid approach meant that over 40 final year learners from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Youthreach provision and Community Training Workshop in County Clare could take part in the seminar.
The learners logged on from each of their respective College of Further Education and Training campuses including Ennis, Tuamgraney and Kilrush and also Clare Youth Service supported by campus management and staff.
Learners from East Clare Youthreach.
Eddie Keane, Youthreach Co-ordinator at Ennis Campus acted as MC for the seminar, briefing everyone on the safety guidelines and running order for the event.
George O Callaghan, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, welcomed everyone in his opening address and congratulated learners on “remaining focused on completing this stage of their education and training journey, in spite of ongoing COVID challenges.”
He also encouraged learners to “continue to take every opportunity to reach their full potential, while maintaining their spirit and willingness to overcome obstacles which might present along the
way.” Finally he thanked the staff who “quietly continue to support their learners” and also thanked the organising committee for “once again planning this high quality and valuable information sharing seminar.”
Day 2 of the ‘Moving On’ seminar was officially opened by Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. In his address, he also acknowledged the quality of content in this year’s seminar including presentations on FET Pathways to Progression and Apprenticeships and Traineeships. He also spoke about “the increased number of Craft apprenticeships that are now available to learners” and welcomed “the valuable addition of past learner input to the seminar.” He also highlighted the transformation that has occurred over the past 7 years within the Further Education and Training Division which “always ensures that learners have real quality choice and success in moving forward in their career pathways.”
Other highlights from this year’s event included a busy schedule of pre-recorded and live presentations over the five days. These covered themes of employer expectations, further training opportunities within the region and self-care sessions and College of FET campus familiarisation tours.
Former learner, Tojo Lazzari who is now manager of the Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Leitrim, gave a candid and thoughtful account of his own ‘Moving On’ journey. He spoke about overcoming some life changing challenges and left those watching online captivated by the level of resilience and positivity he displayed while dealing with such adversity.
Following the seminar, there was lots of positive feedback from learners, with many commenting on the superb quality of information-sharing on courses, apprenticeships and traineeships. They also found the practical tips for ‘Moving On’ and the supportiveness of the well-being presentations particularly useful for helping them with their future plans.
Clare Youth Service learners visiting the Further Education and Training Centre, Raheen Campus in Limerick.
Martin Cournane, Further Education and Training Manager with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, officially closed the event on Friday 28th January. He congratulated all participants and invited them to celebrate their achievements and the milestones they’ve reached and wished them well in their future endeavours.
MC Eddie Keane then brought this year’s virtual seminar to an end by thanking all the presenters for their time and commitment and he also thanked the various campus staff who supported the remote sessions throughout the week.
He also gave particular mention to Tricia Ryan, Clare Advocate who supports all learners with their Career Path Plans at their respective provisions, often long after they have successfully progressed. Tricia also is a member of the organising committee who worked tirelessly with the other members of the team on the event including Josephine Dempsey, Youth Provision Co-ordinator; Declan Farmer, Eddie Keane and Liam Keane who are all Youthreach Co-ordinators, and Edel Mc Donagh, Community Training Centre Manager, Clare Youth Service.
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