Staffnet

St. Joseph's Education Centre

St. Joseph's Education Centre is an education and training centre.  Students are mainly Travelling people aged 16 + unemployed and early school leavers. It is one of 33 such centres nationally. It caters for 52 Learners, the large majority of whom are over 25 years of age. There is no upper age limit in order to encourage “adults who may have previously had negative experiences of mainstream education and also to attract adults given the positive influence this could have on encouraging their children’s participation in schooling.” (Department of Education & Science, draft, 2005, p.23). There is now a move to offer an integrated service for all learners.

The centre is operated by County Clare VEC and is managed by an inter-departmental committee representative of Clare V.E.C. and Adult Education Service, Clare Co. Council, Fás Advocate, Staff Representative, Travellers Representatives, Bishops Representatives, Visiting Teacher for Travellers Service and Garda Representative. The centre is staffed by a professional team of teachers and other support staff.

The centre’s mission is “ to cater for the educational, training and personal needs of all our Learners”. Further objectives include giving pride in the Traveller culture, holistic development of the person, empowerment of individuals, literacy development amongst families and networking with other agencies providing services to Travellers.

 Courses offered at St Joseph's Education Centre

The centre provides a programme of general education, vocational training, and work experience and guidance/counselling services. Learners are paid a training allowance. A childcare allowance is also payable, where applicable

LCA

In 2004, the Centre introduced the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) in order to offer learners skills in personal and Family Learning and a progression route or stepping-stone towards employment and/or further study.

At St Josephs our first Leaving Cert Applied Students graduated in June 2006.

The Leaving Certificate Applied is an excellent choice for those interested in training for a trade, as evidenced by the fact that 60% of last year’s graduates are now in employment or in further education .