This article is from page 35 of the 2008-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
FARMERS in north and west Clare are being offered a second chance at a formal education with a new free course to be hosted in Ennistymon. With an uncertain future for both the farming and construction sectors, it’s hoped that a number of locals will take the opportunity to broaden their own levels of skills.
The new course is aimed at people who have not completed their Leav- ing Certificate and who feel at a dis- advantage when seeking off-farm employment.
The new 30 hour Career Op- tions course is being provided free
of charge by the North Clare Farm Family Support Service.
It is aimed at low income farmers and family members who are seek- ing part-time employment, those who have recently been made redundant and those who would like to move on from their present employment.
A key component of the course will be one-to-one advice. Guidance counsellors will carry out an assess- ment of participants interests and abilities and identify the most suit- able job opportunities as well as edu- cation and upskilling courses.
Participants will also come away armed with a top class CV which will make them stand out from other
job applicants in a competitive and UbSdaLKey ODO NTSaN LO lONw eet-NU Colm
Furthermore, they will learn how to improve their interview skills which will give them an edge in getting that job or promotion.
Rural Development Officer and course organiser Gerry McDonagh says that the course will also help participants to discover the skills that are unique to them.
‘Many farmers underestimate their range of skills, believing that they do not have those skills required by employers.
“Yet skills such as tractor driving, machinery maintenance, upkeep of buildings, dealing with government
departments such as _ agriculture, maintaining farm records, indeed farm management in general are all important transferable skills,’ he SrNLOE
“While a farmer or family member may have never worked outside the farm, nonetheless they already have the basics upon which to build new skills.”
The course will commence on Oc- tober 13.
A limited number of places re- main which will be filled on a first come, first served basis. To book a place, contact Gerry McDonagh im- mediately on 065 7072467 or 086 COL AO OR