Mid Kerry Community Employment Participants to receive Certificates in Major Award QQI Level 5 Health Care Support

Following the launch of a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Health and Social Care programme, the first graduates of the initiative will receive their Certificate in QQI Level 5 in Health Care Support on Friday 10th November. Neil Kelly, a Principal Officer with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection will present the Certificates.

The programme was made available to local jobseekers to avail through a Community Employment initiative in the Healthcare sector. They were offered the opportunity to undertake the Major Award QQI5 in Health Care Support to complement the work experience they were receiving. This, together with their QQI5 Certificates provides them with a strong platform to secure full time employment in the Health care sector.

Thirteen participants in the Mid Kerry area of Killarney, Killorglin, Rathmore and Kilgarvan were the first to complete the course in Health Care Support which has led to them progressing into employment in the Health Care Sector.

There are a further 21 Community Employment participants currently undertaking the Health Care Support course in Tralee, 9 in Caherciveen and a further 15 have recently commenced a second intake in Killarney.

Guidelines for participation on Community Employment were revised in July this year and CE is now open to eligible jobseekers from age 21 upwards. An opportunity to undertake a Major Award is also available to Participants. Community Employment positions are currently available throughout the county and cover very varied roles from Health Care Support to Childcare, Horticulture and Tourism to Administration and many other varied roles. Vacancies arise through the year and people who are interested can find full details here.

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection supports 44 Community Schemes in Kerry with an investment of upwards of €20m being provided this year towards the development and progression opportunities for social welfare recipients.

For further information on the Health Care Initiative on Community Employment please contact Sean Dineen, CE Supervisor on 089 2247454 or sean@socialactiongroupce.ie.

ENDS