WATCH Gateway to Education Limerick expands opportunities through ‘Open Doors’ training programme

“Inclusion Starts Here”: Gateway to Education Limerick Expands Opportunities Through ‘Open Doors’ Training Programme. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Gateway to Education Limerick ‘Open Doors’ programme calls on community for support as they transform lives through inclusion, education, and real-world work experience

A Limerick-based organisation is transforming lives through inclusion, education, and real-world work experience — and now they are calling on the community to support and get involved.

Gateway to Education Limerick (GTEL), based at 9 Wickham Street, & 1 The Tait Business centre has become a vital hub for people with disabilities, those facing barriers to employment, and individuals seeking a supported pathway into work and community life.

At the heart of this work is their newly supported programme, “Open Doors: Inclusive Volunteer Training for Employment Pathways,” funded through the ESB Energy for Generations Fund.

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The programme provides structured, hands-on training in retail, stock management, administration, and customer service — all within a supportive, inclusive environment where participants can build confidence at their own pace.

The event marked an important milestone for the organisation, with nine participants graduating from the programme, each completing a supported journey of learning, development, and practical work experience.

Suzanne Roche, CEO of Gateway to Education Limerick, explains, “We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to take part, to learn, and to feel valued. ‘Open Doors’ is about creating real opportunities — not just training, but meaningful pathways into employment and community life.”

Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including referrals from the National Learning Network, Employability services, Community Employment schemes, and local schools. For many, this is their first experience of structured work-based learning.

One participant shared, “Being here has given me confidence I didn’t have before. I’m learning real skills, and I feel like I’m part of something.”

Another added, “It’s not just about work — it’s about feeling included and supported. That makes a huge difference.”

The organisation also runs a busy charity shop, where participants gain hands-on experience in a real retail setting. From pricing stock and organising displays to serving customers and managing donations, every task forms part of a supported learning journey.

Behind the scenes, volunteers and staff work together to process donations and maintain the flow of stock, creating a dynamic and welcoming environment where learning happens every day.

Suzanne Roche highlighted the importance of the ESB support, saying, “We are incredibly grateful to the ESB Energy for Generations Fund for supporting this programme. It allows us to open more doors for people who might otherwise be left behind.”

As Gateway to Education Limerick continues to grow, the organisation is encouraging more community involvement – whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with their work.

“With the right support, we can reach even more people. There is a real need for inclusive spaces like this, and we are committed to making sure no one is left behind.”

Community members can support the initiative by donating quality items, volunteering their time, or contributing online.

Photos: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick