UNEMPLOYED people on both sides of the border received a boost this week with the announcement of 40 training places for the Strabane District and Lifford area.
Workforce 21 is an initiative of FAS in Donegal and the Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. It is funded by the EU Interreg Programme through the North West Region Cross Border Group.
The programme will seek to recruit trainees who are unemployed and wish to return to the workforce. It will tailor the training to the needs of the participant with a focus on jobs available through members of the Strabane Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other major employers in the area.
Workforce 21 Programme Manager Mr Malachy McHugh said: "I am delighted to report the enthusiasm of employers to interview participants who will take part in this 14 week training programme.
"Businesses involved in the Chamber such as Linton and Robinson, Doherty Suites, Katy Dalys, ASDA, Northbrook Technology and many other small businesses are eager to recruit individuals who fit their criteria.
"I am pleased to report that all of these companies are willing to offer an interview to participants on the programme," he said.
Examples of the skills training that will be accredited include retail, caring, IT, hotel, catering, logistics, with access to jobs in the companies mentioned.
Participants in Strabane district will retain their Social Security benefits and will receive a training premium and will get allowances for childcare and travel may be payable.
Strabane District Council's Economic Development Manager Geraldine Stafford added: "This is a terrific opportunity for the unemployed people of Strabane to once again show that they are willing to work.
"I was so proud of the response in Strabane district to the CRESCO Trust Initiative with ASDA earlier this year. When I saw the enthusiasm for the programme and for employment in ASDA, it reassured me that Strabane people want to improve themselves, retrain for the jobs available and take their rightful place in the workforce."
The training will commence on November 19 in Strabane or Lifford depending on the number of participants from each area.
