Kilkenny Agencies Unite to Promote Education and Employment for Traveller Community

A significant crowd turned up at St. Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall on Wednesday last 7th May to meet with representatives from Kilkenny’s Local Enterprise Office, KCETB, the local INTREO Office, Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement and more.

All agencies in attendance contribute to the wider Kilkenny Traveller Interagency Group with the overarching aim of improving access to services in the Traveller community in Kilkenny.

This breakfast and networking event was organised to promote awareness of further education and employment opportunities for the Traveller community in Kilkenny and encourage engagement with the services on offer through the agencies that attended, and it proved a successful and positive morning.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity to promote apprenticeship pathways and work experience in specific trades. Senior Training Adviser with KCETB Patricia Nolan was on hand to provide information and many attendees expressed an interest in particular apprenticeships. Attendees were also provided with information about the grants and supports available specifically for members of the Traveller community.

In addition, Fergal Blanchfield from the Employment Support Service INTREO Kilkenny was in attendance to promote awareness of progression opportunities to the Traveller community in Kilkenny, and was delighted to report the high level of interest and requests for follow ups in relation to particular initiatives.

Local Enterprise Office Business Adviser John Mulcahy noted “This was a hugely positive event and provided an opportunity to ensure that the services offered through the Local Enterprise Office are known and available to all our citizens in Kilkenny. Anyone who is considering starting a business can get in contact with the Local Enterprise Office and arrange a meeting with a business adviser as a first port of call.”

Adult Literacy for Life, Regional Literacy Co-ordinator with KCETB Helen Walsh added “It is great to see so many people here today of all ages, and fantastic to see so much interest in the services on offer – both further training opportunities to promote entry to the workforce, and services to assist with business start-ups to promote self-employment.”

Kathleen Cash, project worker with Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement was also encouraged by the large turn out and positive atmosphere commenting “This was a great event and something that we will consider running again in conjunction with the other agencies in attendance. It was great to see so many young people interested in exploring opportunities like apprenticeships and getting back to education. It was a lovely morning, opening possibilities and options for many Travellers, especially young Travellers and Traveller women.”