Training Programmes Delivered*

MSLETB Training Centres – Sligo and Ballina provide a comprehensive range of training options for learners including for, people seeking employment, people wishing to up-date or get new skills, people changing careers, persons with a disability and early school leavers.

A wide range of training delivery methods are used including; In-Centre fulltime courses, evening courses, courses delivered on our behalf in our training centres and at external locations throughout Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim by registered training providers, and training in the community.

*Many of the Programmes provided through MSLETB Training Centres – Sligo and Ballina are part supported by the Irish government and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020. See www.esf.ie or click one of the European logos at the bottom of the page for more information about programmes supported by the ESF.

All of the major awards we deliver irrespective of the delivery type at levels 5/6 on the National Framework of Qualifications qualify for up to 400 CAO points.

If you have completed a QQI Major level 5 or Level 6 check out your CAO points here CAO Points Calculator

The following is an outline of our programme types.

Day Courses

All of our day courses provide fully certified professionally delivered training programmes to increase your job prospects and/or your progression to further education and training.

The duration of the courses can vary. There is no fee and in some circumstances allowances including travel and accommodation for eligible participants may be paid. Day programmes are generally full-time courses with training taking place Monday to Friday however, some may be delivered on a part-time basis.

Day Courses Available Now;  Sligo   Leitrim  Mayo

Evening Courses

Evening courses offer a flexible training option to people unable to access full time day programmes. They are generally delivered in our Training Centres and take place 1 or 2 evenings per week. The majority of our courses are 10 weeks. Evening courses are open to everybody (both employed and unemployed) however there is a fee for people in employment. Fee paying clients must apply directly to the Training Centre. Non-fee paying clients (unemployed persons) must apply through their local DSP Employment Services Office.

Evening Courses Available Now;  Sligo    Ballina

Traineeships

Traineeships provide job-specific training which combines direct training and workplace training with an employer. Courses are full-time and all year round to facilitate those entering the workforce for the first time and for persons wishing to up-date or acquire new skills.

All programmes lead to FETAC/QQI major awards at levels 4 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Traineeships typically take nine months to complete. Examples of Traineeships are Childhood Care & Education, Healthcare Support, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapist.

Specific Skills Training (SST)

Specific Skills Training courses typically take six months to complete and are designed to meet the needs of industry and business across a range of sectors leading to accreditation at Levels 4-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications or certification from a recognised external accredited body. Courses are full-time and all year round to facilitate those seeking employment for the first time and for persons wishing to up-date or acquire new skills to increase their future employment opportunities.

Examples of courses include, Computer Applications and Office Skills, Retail Skills, Health and Beauty, Business Administration, Sports & Recreation, Construction Skills Programmes, Business Process Improvement, Manual and Computerised Payroll and Book-keeping, Engineering.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship is the recognised means by which people are trained to become craftspeople in Ireland. The apprenticeship system typically consists of 3 off-the-job phases and 4 on-the-job phases. Generally the duration of an apprenticeship is four years. For further information on becoming or employing an apprentice please contact the Services to Business Office MSLETB Training Centre – Sligo.

Community Training Centres

MSLETB works in partnership with the Community Training Centre Sligo (CTC) to provide community based training for early school leavers as part of the National Youthreach Programme. The CTC is an independent, community-based organisation which provides training and related supports for early school leavers primarily aged between 16 – 21 years who have left school with no formal or incomplete qualifications.

Learners in Sligo CTC have individualised learning plans and participate on programmes offering personal and social skills development through modules such as communications, personal effectiveness, teamwork, career planning and literacy and numeracy support, which are integrated with the vocational training modules. Courses are generally one year in duration, are full-time and lead to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications at levels 3 and 4. Programmes offered in Sligo CTC include Employability Skills, Hairdressing and Pathway to Employment.

Local Training Initiative (LTI)

MSLETB in collaboration with local community groups throughout Mayo Sligo and Leitrim provide flexible Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) for unemployed people. The LTI programme is designed to provide opportunities for learners who are unable to participate in other MSLETB training opportunities for personal, social or geographic reasons. LTI’s are designed for people who are unemployed, primarily people under 35 years of age, with no formal qualifications or incomplete secondary level qualifications. Anyone who is unemployed and over the age of 16, at any level of literacy, is eligible to participate. (Eligibility – Participant)

Literacy difficulties are not a barrier to entry. LTI’s support many organisations engaged in a wide range of initiatives including Catering, Genealogy, Heritage, Business, Multi Media, and Sports and Coaching. Some projects are targeted as specific groups in society. Training on Local Training Initiatives leads to accreditation at Levels 3, 4 and 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Courses are full-time and are delivered all year round

Specialist Training Programme (STP)

MSLETB Training Centres – Sligo and Ballina contract Specialist Training Providers in Mayo Sligo and Leitrim to deliver training courses to people with disabilities who require more intensive support than would be available in a non-specialist training environment. The features of this specialist vocational training include; additional training duration; adapted equipment; transport arrangements; enhanced programme content and an increased trainer to learner ratio.

People with disabilities are encouraged to avail of and participate in a broad range of mainline training options. Examples include ICT and vocational multi-skills. Courses are generally one to two years in duration, are delivered all year round and lead to accreditation at Levels 1-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.