The 10th 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. The event which took place at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis was the first in-person ‘Moving On Seminar’ in three years following the COVID epidemic. Over 40 final year learners from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Youthreach provision and Community Training Workshop in County Clare took part in the seminar. Participants included learners 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. Eddie Keane, Youthreach Co-ordinator at Ennis Campus acted as MC for the seminar and Sean O’Carroll, Further Education and Training Manager with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board officially opened the event.
Speaking at the event he congratulated learners on “continuing to stay focused during challenging times’ and urged learners to stay engaged for the last leg of their present educational journey. He also wished them well in engaging with the wider Further Education and Training landscape and employment on their ‘moving on’ journey. Motivational speakers on the day included Cillian Keane, Mental Health advocate and past learners Eoin Sage (motor mechanic apprentice) and Leanne Considine (PLC Childcare) who are continuing their training with Limerick and Clare’s College of Further Education Further Education and Training. Past learners Alan Coote and Chantel Keane who are now run successful entrepreneurs also spoke via pre-recorded messages about not getting overwhelmed and asking for help and adopting a step by step approach. The learner presentations proved very popular with those attending the event who said they appreciated the learner’s honesty in detailing their past personal struggles and found their stories of overcoming these hurdles inspirational.
Other highlights from the seminar included workshops and guidance from Further Education and Training support staff at the information stand and Fitness Gym manager Declan Ensko who spoke about employer expectations. The seminar was officially closed by Paul Patton, Director of FET with Limerick and Clare ETB where he encouraged learners to ‘ask for help’ and acknowledged the quality of content in this year’s inspiring seminar giving special mention to Eoin and Leanne whose presentations clearly indicated the ‘true value of Youthreach’ He also urged learners to ‘never give up on their ambition’ and to explore the many progression routes Further Education and Training offered along with wellbeing and resource support.
MC Eddie Keane then brought the seminar to an end, thanking all the presenters for their time and commitment and the various campus staff who supported the event. He 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 is also 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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