Southern Regional College has launched a new project initiative aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial activity in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas. The pilot programme which is funded by the Northern Ireland Executive and delivered through the Department for Social Development aims to equip 45 individuals from Neighbourhood Renewal Areas inn Armagh, Lurgan, Brownlow, Portadown and Newry with the necessary practical and technical skills and personal development to enable future pathways to self employment or alternatively enhancing employability skills for a return to employment. Within the Southern Region five Practice Firms will be established through which small teams will set up businesses managed on a daily basis and undergo a training framework for 32 weeks. Participants will spend 15 hours per week at the Practice Firm, five of which will allocated for training leading to the achievement of a Level 2 nationally recognised qualification. The combination of training and practical experience will result in a rich transferable knowledge base. The five Practice Firms will trade among each other and run according to strict commercial practice. Each Practice Firm will be supported by a local Mentor Company providing guidance and support and will also be equipped with electronic notebooks, mobile phone, learning materials and will be continually encouraged and motivated through seminars and workshops with guest speakers and inspirational entrepreneurs. Applications are welcome from economically inactive people, unemployed graduates, people living within a Neighbourhood Renewal Area and with an income of less than £21,330. For further information or application please contact Cathy Haughey haugheyc@src.ac.uk or call 028 3839 7842
Newry Democrat
18th October 2011
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