Awards Day for Students – Making Connections South Tipperary Training Programme
On the 25th of March last, students from the WSTCYS based programme called ‘Making Connections South Tipperary’ attended an Awards Day to receive their QQI Level 3 certificates for completing modules on an ‘Employability Skills’ training course.
The event was organised by the programmes’ staff members Karen Scully (Programme Coordinator) and Paulette O’ Donovan (Programme Assistant Coordinator) and was held in the Wilderness Youth and Community Centre in Clonmel. Students received 13 QQI Level 3 Minor Award Certificates on the day, in areas such as Personal Effectiveness, Computer Literacy, Word Processing, Art and Design, Career Preparation, Library Research, Communications and Application of Number. One student completed the programme in full and achieved a QQI Level 3 Major Award in ‘Employability Skills’.
Former 2fm DJ Nikki Hayes, who is currently a national Broadcaster and Recovery Advocate; attended the event as the programmes Special Guest Speaker. Nikki Hayes spoke about her own inspirational recovery journey through addiction and homelessness on the day.
Also in attendance at the Awards Day were student’s friends and families, staff and management from Tipperary ETB, Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service and various staff from local addiction, mental health, community wellbeing & support, probation, homelessness, employment, adult education and guidance agencies/services.
Making Connections South Tipperary is a Local Training Initiative (LTI) aimed at adults who have experienced substance misuse, homelessness and have ongoing associated mental health issues. The programme offers accredited QQI Level 3 training in ‘Employability Skills’ on a part time basis for students in the South Tipperary areas of Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir. Making Connections South Tipperary is managed by Waterford and South Tipperary Community Youth Service (WSTCYS) and funded by Tipperary ETB.
The aim of the programme is to build students’ knowledge, skills and confidence to help gain suitable employment. Making Connections South Tipperary also provides a ‘stepping stone’ for students to progress to other Further or Higher Education courses in the area. The programme links with various local agencies and services to provide supports for students on the programme. Examples include the HSE Substance Misuse Service, HSE Mental Health Service, Probation Services, Social Prescribing, Focus Ireland, Community Based Drugs Initiatives, Adult Literacy Services and the Local Area Employment Service.
In 2024, Making Connections South Tipperary was shortlisted as a national finalist in the prestigious AONTAS Star Awards for adult education initiatives, in the category of Third Level Access and Engagement.
Students are referred to the programme through local agencies and services. However, the programme also welcomes self-referrals.
To contact the programme:
Karen Scully (Programme Coordinator) on 086 7911 493
Paulette O’ Donovan (Programme Assistant Coordinator) on 086 7716 289
Email: mcsouthtipperary@wstcys.ie
