National Learning Network

National Learning Network (NLN) is based in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary and offers a combination of Rehabilitative & Vocational training.  These courses are offered free of charge to people with additional support needs to include learning, social needs, ASD, physical and mental health. These courses are tailored to each student’s needs, to help them to build their confidence while getting practical job-seeking skills. The ETB and HSE programmes, all of which include work experience, offer nationally recognised qualifications including QQI major awards/component awards, ECDL and ECDL Advanced ensuring that students are ready to progress to employment, higher or further education.

Courses in the Clonmel Centre include:

• Computer Applications & Retail Skills:
  The course aims to equip students with the skills and qualifications in information technology, workplace skills and retail sales to enable them to access higher/ further training or employment. Work placement is part of the programme. Students will be offered support in relevant numeracy, literacy, personal development and self-management skills.
• Employers Based Training (EBT):
  EBT is a training programme that allows people to train in an employer’s business or company while still enjoying all the supports that exist in the training centre. EBT allows a student to spend 3 days a week training on site and 2 days a week in centre working on certification. This progamme will enhance their job seeking skills and employment opportunities.
• Rehabilitative Training (Options):
  Options is a rehabilitative training programme that allows students to access a wide variety of training areas with individual supports in the training centre whilst working a range of certification modules/awards. The Options programme allows the trainees to work on a range of skills: vocational, occupational and personal. These skills help to develop the knowledge, confidence and resources needed to access employment, further training and options in the wider community.
• Ancaire Autism Outreach Support Service:
  Ancaire is an outreach support service that provides specialist support to individuals with a diagnosis of asd.  Our interventions focus on social and communication skills, perspective taking skills, community skills, organisational skills, independent living skills, ASD awareness and social groups.

Target Groups and Eligibility Criteria: People who have extra support needs, had an accident, illness, injury/disability. Age range for Options programme is 18 years and upwards. Age range for ETB programmes is 16 years and upwards.

Referral: Direct contact with Kitty Galvin Hennessy, Area Manager, HSE, ETB and self-referral/direct contact with centre.

Contact details: Kitty Galvin, Area Manager, National Learning Network, Clonmel.

Other NLN Centres which can be accessed outside Co. Tipperary include:

• National Learning Network, Unit 7 IDA Industrial Estate, Cork Road, Waterford, X91 PK74
  This centre offers Rehabilitative training and ETB Vocational training.
  Contact details: Tel. (051) 359220, Email: waterford@nln.ie

• National Learning Network, Raheen Industrial Estate, Raheen, Limerick City
  This centre offers Rehabilitative training and ETB Vocational training.
  Contact details: Tel. (061) 229777 Email: limerick@nln.ie