Farren presents top honours to trainees with disabilities

The Minister for Employment and Learning Sean Farren has toasted the success of trainees with disabilities at a local awards ceremony in Belfast.

The Orchardville Society, which is based in South and East Belfast provides educational, vocational and community support services for people with a learning disability and initiates work placements for trainees to enable them to prepare for the world of work.

Speaking at the Orchardville Society Annual Awards, Dr Farren, said: “People with disabilities are twice as likely as those without a disability to have no qualifications. As a result they find it harder to secure employment and that is a situation that we should all be working together to improve.”

He added: “I hope that for many of you this certificate is only a starting point and that you will be able to go on and secure employment. The hard work and dedication that you have put into getting your qualification can show employers that you have the right qualities to make enthusiastic and reliable employees.”

The annual presentation gives the families and friends of the trainees who have received certificates the opportunity to join with them and celebrate their success. This is the first time that many of the trainees will have received any formal recognition through the education and training system.

The certificates received by the trainees include NVQs and CLAIT. All the qualifications obtained are relevant to the world of work and trainees can use their qualification as a stepping stone to finding a job. A total of 96 trainees are receiving 131 awards that are sponsored, among others, by BT and Bombardier Aerospace. (AMcE)