Details of a new course aimed at unemployed 18 – 25 year olds in the Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown area was launched today by An Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, TD, the National Adult Literacy Agency and the Southside Partnership.  The course aims to help young adults get a FETAC qualification and support them find a job by providing them with a personal Job Coach.

Speaking at the Launch the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said, “I am delighted to launch this unique and user-friendly course for young job seekers in Dun Laoghaire and the greater Dublin South region. The level of unemployment among young people in this country is far too high. That is why the priority for this Government is jobs and getting people into employment.

“I congratulate NALA and the Southside Partnership for running with the Momentum Programme which is one of a number of initiatives the Government has put in place to get men and women back into employment by responding to the needs of both job-seekers and prospective employers. I would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch with NALA as soon as possible to find out more about what the course offers and how it could help you.”

“We are delighted to be able to support under 25 year olds who are unemployed in this area,” said Marie Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Southside Partnership. Participants on this programme will get a personal Job Coach, who will help with CVs and interview skills, a work placement and support to find a more permanent job or move onto further education or training,” she said.

The project (course and work placement) lasts for nine months. During this time participants do the qualifications on a computer with help from a tutor. Depending on how they get on, they may finish it sooner. If participants feel that their reading, writing or maths skills are holding them back, the National Adult Literacy Agency can help with that too and over the 9 months participants work towards a full FETAC Level 3 Award, which is Junior Cert level.

“The course work is done online with telephone tutor support and when you finish you get a FETAC Level 3 qualification. It’s great because there are no exams on this course. You choose the subjects and the times that you learn. You get your qualification by doing the course-work online, at your own pace,” said Inez Bailey, Director, National Adult Literacy Agency.

“There are lots of subjects to choose from, for example, Digital Media, Internet Skills, Health and Safety Awareness, Communications, Personal and Interpersonal Skills.

During the 9 months, participants will also meet other young people who are doing the same course. They will meet in small groups and learn new skills together like writing great CVs, interview and presentation skills,” she said.

To find out more about the programme and to check if you are eligible contact the National Adult Literacy Agency on 1800 20 20 65 or see www.nala.ie/free-courses/.

This course is being funded by the Department of Education and Skills under their Momentum programme