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You’d have done well in college’ – has anyone ever said that to you? Do you feel you might have missed out on third level due to a variety of reasons? Is the time right for you now? Pathway to College aims to facilitate unemployed and low income workers, who meet certain criteria, to return to further education. The new programme initiated and administered by Galway Rural Development under the Local Community Development Programme will be launched on Thursday 18th October in O’Meara’s Bar and Restaurant, Portumna by Minister Ciarán Cannon TD, Minister of State for Training and Skills at the Dept of Education and Skills. Anyone interested in applying for this programme which will run free of charge are encouraged to attend the launch and information event.

Please register your interest to attend with Elaine Quinn, GRD: Tel: 091 844 335; email: [email protected]

Facilitating that dream to return to college, this specially tailored course beginning on 21st November taking place in Portumna running each Wednesdays 9.30am to 5pm for 20 weeks until May 2013. With the objective to progress long term unemployed people to access third level courses and potentially raise their education qualifications up to university degree level. Applications are sought from candidates in the Galway Rural Development operational area ie. East and South County Galway and Claregalway district but excluding Galway city, who meet the entry criteria and wish to further their chances to return to full time employment. Please see map and further details on www.grd.ie/pathwaytocollege . The course will cater for people who are unemployed and low income earners who have a keen interest in attending college, as well as people who may have left school early, learners with a disability and people from socio-economically disadvantaged groups and ethnic minorities.

“GRD under the LCDP programme are delighted to provide this opportunity to bring Pathway to College to the people of South Galway” said Delia Colohan, CEO, Galway Rural Development Company.

This programme will provide participants with a grounding and preparation for their return to education through exercises in self-development to boost their motivation and self-confidence and plan for their future. The course includes career guidance, computer skills, financial planning and budgeting and will assist them with future choices such as college applications, interview training and CAO forms.

‘As an advocate of life long Learning I am delighted to be facilitating this new and exciting initiative on behalf of Galway Rural Development providing individuals with an opportunity improve their qualifications and job prospects,’ said Evelyn Cormican of Blueprint Coaching and Training.

Further information and application forms are available from Blueprint Coaching and Training. As numbers for this programme are limited, completed application forms must be returned by 31st October 2012 and will be followed by interviews with potential candidates.