Soccer hero presents certs to Learning Network trainees

Former Irish international goalkeeper and current technical director with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Packie Bonner, was in Navan recently to present a group of graduates from National Learning Network with certificates marking their achievements. Over 70 people received certificates accredited by the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) from hero of Italia '90. National Learning Network is the training and employment division of Rehab. The National Learning Network centres in Navan currently cater for 64 people from the town and surrounding areas with both vocational and rehabilitative training. The courses, which have continuous intake, are specifically designed to enable people with disabilities and others who are marginalised to learn the skills that they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities. National Learning Network centres in Navan have enjoyed a long association with the FAI. Learners at the centres have been trained by FAI coaches and have taken part in soccer tournaments at venues in Navan and Dublin. The team from National Learning Network in Navan previously met Packie Bonner when he presented them with a trophy following their success in a soccer tournament organised by the Dundalk Institute of Technology. In addition to soccer, learners also participate in a wide range of other sporting activities, including basketball, swimming, bowling and workouts in the local gym. Keith Killeen, area manager, National Learning Network in Navan, said: "This is a day to celebrate the success of the students receiving these nationally-recognised qualifications, which are a testament to the students' commitment and hard work. It's wonderful to see them now reaping the benefits of their learning, either in further education or in local employment." The centres in Navan also work in collaboration with local employers in sectors ranging from leisure and retail to administration and business. The support of these employers, and the diversity of the training that they offer to learners, is crucial to the success of the many work experience and job placements organised by the centre. In partnership with Fás, National Learning Network in Navan offers the Fresh Start, employer-based training and advanced courses. The Fresh Start course provides introductory skills training to people who may have been out of work due to accident, illness, disability or disadvantage. The employer-based training programme enables the participants to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to gain and retain employment while partaking in on-the-job training in the business area of their choice. The National Learning Network centres in Navan also offer the Health Service Executive-funded rehabilitative training Access programme which equips learners with foundation level personal, social and work-related skills that enable them to progress to greater levels of independence in their communities. Figures show that, in 2008, nearly nine in 10 people (88 per cent) who completed programmes at the National Learning Network centres at Kennedy Road and Athboy Road in Navan progressed to employment or went on to further education and training.