Young people building a future with pre-apprenticeship courses at Limerick Youth Service CTC

Young people building a future with pre-apprenticeship courses at Limerick Youth Service CTC. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick.com

Determined young learners are building for their future in a Trade through the Limerick Youth Service CTC Pre-Apprenticeship course, offering insight into the world of construction

Determined young learners at Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre (CTC) are gaining invaluable experience and an insight to the world of construction and a future in trades through the group’s Pre-Apprenticeship Project, a QQI Level 3 Construction Skills course.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Project offers young people, including early school leavers, the perfect introduction to a range of trades from plumbing and carpentry to plastering and electronics.

One young learner, Rhiannon is happy about the prospects the course offers as well as the experience she is having on the course, she said, “On a typical day in our pre-apprenticeship project, we start with a chat about how we are doing and our plans for the day. After that, we chat with our instructor and discuss the next steps.”

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As part of the course, learners will gain experience in the importance of safety and professionalism, which make up a key part of the programme.  ”We have to make sure we have all of our protective clothing and safety boots on before we can enter the workshop. And we have to make sure we look after our toolkit at all times,” Rhiannon explained.

From the outset, learners are guided to responsibly follow the Protective Clothing protocols and are urged to treat their fellow learners like other professionals.

An appeal of the course is the wide range of trades covered, giving the learners an opportunity to dip their toes in different areas and gain experience in what may interest them in their future careers, with Rhiannon noting, “ Within the pre-apprenticeship programme, we will get a taster of different trades, brick laying, painting, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, which helps us focus on which trade we feel we might like to pursue.”

Following the QQI Level 3, learners have the opportunity to further pursue their studies, with Rhiannon looking forward to her future studies as the course has laid a solid foundation for her future career path and studies, saying, “I will move on to my QQI level four course in September during my last year in the Community Training Centre.”

Rhiannon urges any other young people who may be interested in a trade to take part in the CTC programme, saying, “If you want to develop skills and qualifications in the pre-apprenticeship or construction profession, then why not come to Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre and join our project? You won’t regret it.”

Supported by SOLAS and the ETBs, CTCs like Limerick Youth Service offer young people aged 16–21 the chance to train at their own pace with modern facilities and expert staff. Learners may also qualify for a training allowance.

As a member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them in reaching their full potential.

The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre is located at Lower Glentworth Street and is a leading provider of further education and training for opportunities for young people.

Find out more and express your interest in the Limerick Youth Service QQI Level 3 Construction Skills course here

Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick