TFE was established in the 1997 to provide a stepping stone for women who wished to return to the workplace. The course is run as a FAS Local Training Initiative, sponsored by Westmeath Community Development, with support from other agencies including DSFA, the VEC, and the LDSIP. The aim of the course is to progress its participants to further education, training and ultimately employment and has consistently achieved progression rates of over 70%. The course includes both full time and part time programmes.

TFE participants are recruited from all areas of Athlone and environs including a significant number from the RAPID area. The course includes women of all ages and is ideal for single parents, women whose children have started school and those who have their children reared and wish to return to the workforce. Some participants are early school leavers and others wish to upgrade their existing standard of education. The TFE course offers training at all levels from basic skills training through to FETAC Level 5 and 6. The full time course runs for 40 weeks, from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. five days per week.

Participants on the full time course attend Athlone Institute of Technology one day per week, where they take part in FETAC level 5/6 Business training.

The part time courses, specialise in childcare and run mainly in the evenings, but also provide training in various other areas.

The TFE course now offers full FETAC certification (Major Award) in five separate areas as follows:

1.       Full FETAC level 3 Certificate in General Studies

2.       Full FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Business Studies

3.       Full FETAC level 5 Certificate in Childcare

4.       Full FETAC level 5 Certificate in Social Studies

5. Full FETAC level 5 Certificate in Community & Health Services

Over all the programme offers training in 40 to 50 component modules.

Outline of Services available:

All training is fully accredited and participants are offered a choice of subjects and levels of certification. They are encouraged to attain the higher level of FETAC accreditation, with the majority achieving a major award on completion of the course. The part time courses, all at level 5, cover various accredited modules including the full certificate in Childcare.

Accredited Training includes the following:

Personal and Social Development

This forms part of the full time programme and includes activities, information sessions, outings, and personal development training.  

One to one personal development and counselling are available to all participants.

Training includes all aspects of job preparation with work placement which takes place towards the end of the course for 6 weeks. On completion of the course a follow up service is provided to those who require assistance in any way.

Supports provided by employers:

Over the years TFE have built up a significant number of Employers who take on participants for work experience which sometimes leads to offers of employment.

As part of the follow up service, Employers are aware that they can contact TFE at any time with queries.

There are currently 17 positions on the full time programme each year, with a further 50 to 60 part-time positions.

Most participants receive a training allowance and there is a childcare allowance available and a contribution towards travel expenses.

The TFE project was highly commended by AONTAS recently, when they were presented with an award at a ceremony in Dublin Castle

Contact Name: Anne Fallon, Co-ordinator

Contact Details: 7, O’Connell Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Telephone: 090 6494806

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