Trim students get first Fetac awards at centre

Two FAS trainees received Fetac major awards at a presentation last Monday at the Meath Heritage Centre, Trim. Marie Garry, Mornington Heights in Trim and Ellen Dennison, Kells Road, Trim, were presented with their awards, which are the first Fetac major awards at the centre. Current trainees received individual certificates at Level 4 but are working towards major awards which they will complete by the end of their training programme. Trainees at the centre also complete ECDL which is at Fetac Level 5. Cllr Jimmy Fegan said the training provided by the Meath Heritage Centre is important in increasing people"s chances of progressing to employment and he paid tribute to the centre for its success in placing its trainees in full-time jobs. In the current economic climate, the centre provides the opportunity for people to upskill and improve their computer and office skills and he said the county council is pleased to be associated with the Meath Heritage Centre. Trim Town Council Cathaoirleach, Trevor Golden, paid tribute to the Meath Heritage Centre for its contribution to the town, through improving tourism facilities and in providing training opportunities to people from Trim and the wider County Meath area. Joe Davis, FAS, congratulated the trainees on achieving their major awards. Fetac provides a structure whereby learners can progress to higher levels. The Meath Heritage Centre provides the opportunity for trainees to enter that structure and complete vocational skills major awards, which will increase their employability. The Fetac awards are recognised by employers. Noel French of the Meath Heritage Centre congratulated all the trainees on their awards and said that each trainee worked hard to achieve their award. Mr French thanked FAS for their continuing support, the sponsoring body, Trim Forum for Employment, its officers, Peter Higgins and Mary Kenny, Meath County Council and Trim Town Council. Earlier this month, co-ordinator of the project Noel French was presented with a BA in Local Studies at NUI Maynooth and assistant co-ordinator, Maura Maguire, was presented with a Diploma in Community and Local Studies at NUI Maynooth. Fetac gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in training centres, in the work place and in the community and learners may progress to higher levels. Each award comprises a number of modules which the learner can achieve at their own pace and accumulate over time towards one of the Fetac major awards at Levels 3 and 4.