Open day offers hope for all

An innovative training provider which has supported more than 1,200 people with disabilities into jobs is set to hold a national open day next month.

The National Learning Network (NLN) is Ireland’s largest non-governmental education and training organisation, with more than 30 centres across the country.

Since 2017 the NLN has supported over 2,500 people with disabilities, mental health difficulty or challenging life circumstances, to move onto further training education opportunities. A total of 800 of these have progressed onto higher level training and education courses including third level colleges and universities.

According to the NLN, Cork city has the highest number of people living with disability in the country at 18 per cent.

These figures were released on Tuesday as the NLN launched its inaugural National Open Day, which will be held on 1 April at 11am. The NLN, which is the education and training division of Rehab Group, provides a range of flexible training courses for people with extra support needs.

The certified training courses offer nationally recognised qualifications including QQI, ECDL, and City and Guilds.

Interim CEO of Rehab Group, Barry McGinn said: “Our economy is rapidly growing and we are close to full employment, but people with disabilities are often excluded from the jobs market. If you have a disability you are twice as likely to be unemployed, this is unacceptable.”

Cork’s two NLN centres in Hollyhill and Bantry will be open on 1 April from 11am and all are welcome to attend.