Training & Employment

Arklap, a sheltered work unit, located in Crogan industrial estate in Arklow County Wicklow provides a day service for thirteen people. Arklap has been in existence for approx. twenty-one years. The ¬rst ten of which the unit was located on the North quay in Arklow. Clients may attend Arklap either on work placement or as a result of 'Personal Outcomes' requests. Over the past number of years Arklap manufactured garden fencing and related products supplying large organisations such as Topline Hardware. Today, production continues at a lower level. There is now a strong emphasis on personal interest activities and projects. While physical activities have always been promoted on the unit, we have undertaken a more formal approach in this area. Some physical activities are now tied into FETAC certi¬cation which not only provides structure but also gives a sense of achievement.Clients are continually encouraged and facilitated to participate in activities outside of the organisation, both at local level and in their home environment.

Ballyraine Garden Centre is a commercial retail unit just outside Arklow town. We o er sheltered work and work experience services. Our Garden Centre shop and farmers market stall in Arklow town provide ample oppotunity for experience in the retail environment. We also o er individual training modules to people who attend service.

Connect Employment is an employment agency for people with disabilities in County Wicklow.

Established in 1988, the service is based in Bray and Arklow. Participants using Connect Employment services are currently employed in over 150 positions throughout County Wicklow and Dublin.

We are working to provide equal employment opportunities for all people, with a focus on ability rather than disability. People using this service are supported by a "jobcoach" to initially acquire a job. The jobcoach provides the necessary supports to ensure the success of the placement.

The Dargle Community Base is a day service situated close to Bray town centre.The service is used by 40 people on both a full and part time basis.

We support people to realise their personal goals and promote active participation in the community. We also offer personalised support with life and social skills and a variety of centre-based activities including FETAC and OCR modules.

The Garden Team is a day centre focusing on horticultural skills and outdoor activities. We are based in the heart of Bray.

Presently, the unit provides a garden maintenance service for private customers and Sunbeam House gardens. Team members gain essential skills for future job prospects.

Our many outdoor activities include walking, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing and nights away. We also provide classes in mosaics, art and crafts, cookery, reading and writing. Peoples Individual goals are nurtured and we actively promote their attainment.

The maintenance teams in North and South Wicklow are responsible for the upkeep of all Sunbeam properties.

Where possible service-users participate in activities with the maintenance co-ordinators. Team members benefit from a variety of skills training and small working groups.

Other activities include day trips and over-night stays.

The Training Units in Bray provide services for school leavers on our 5 year Preparation for Life Rehabilitive Training course.

There is also our post-training service, 'Eolas', and our day service, 'Turas'. These units offer support and training in education, social skills, independent living skills, community participation and self development. Each person has an opportunity to gain skills that enable them to participate equally in their local community.

Through supporting people to realise their ability and achieve their goals, each individual will have the opportunity to live their lives to their full potential.

The Training Service South Wicklow provides an RT training programme for eleven trainees based at a new centre, called Bri Nua, in Arklow and also training and support to a further thirty-seven people at the Ballyraine campus.

There is a strong focus on community involvement and FETAC courses, with both levels 3 and 4 on offer. The staff and clients participate in Voluntary work with a view to developing skills to pursue employment opportunites.