Community Training Centres Celebrate 40 Years!
On the 6th March 2017 Community Training Centres from around the country converged on The Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle. They were celebrating 40 years (1977 – 2017) of existence.
Youth Training & Development Centre (Newbridge CTC) received their 40 year celebration plaque from the Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton, T.D. The Community Training Centre was represented at the celebrations by Kathleen Cramer, General Manager, Michael Donlon and Sr. Máire Ní Shúilleabháin, Board of Management with some of their staff and Learners. Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board was represented at the event by Sheila Bradley, Senior Development Officer, Training Services.
Introductions to the celebrations and speeches were given by Gus O’Connell, Chairperson of IACTO (Irish Association of Community Training Organisations). Speeches were given by Dr. Dermot Stokes (DCU), Mary Gordon (NEPS), Mary Lyons (SOLAS) and Minister Bruton. The speakers spoke of a pioneering approach for Early School Leavers, a safe place of learning and having faith in Learners and what they’re good at.
Most of the Community Training Centres had stands / tables at the conference to show case what they do best. Youth Training & Development Centre’s table was based on Engineering and Science. It was a great morning / afternoon for the 35 Community Training Centres to show their “wares” and to be proud of what they have achieved in 40 years.