 Larne people have been benefiting from a new programme called 'Exploring Enterprise' provided locally by LEDCOM.
A presentation event was held to mark the completion of the programme by eleven local participants where the Mayor Cllr Bobby McKee presented the participants with certificates. Exploring Enterprise is a free programme which aims to help people into sustainable employment or self employment through mentoring, training and by gaining a recognised qualification in Business Enterprise.
The training and portfolio element of the programme was completed in March 2009 and all eleven participants completed their portfolios to a high standard. LEDCOM is currently involved in the final phase of the programme which is post assessment interviews and follow up work for individual clients.
One Larne participant, Mel Smyth was made redundant from a local company just before Christmas. Mel lives in Larne and has two children; and spoke of his experience of EEP,
"I have really enjoyed the training which has motivated me in my search for a job. Learning about self employment has given me a good insight into how small businesses operate which could help me in the future. I would also pay tribute to the staff at LEDCOM who have been very helpful with good advice at hand".
LEDCOM's Chief Executive Ken Nelson commented, "We are pleased with the excellent response in the Larne area. Many of the participants were referred from the local Jobs and Benefits Office. The support from Chain Recruitment and Training has also been invaluable in promoting the programme."
Patricia Brennan, Programme Manager at LEDCOM, said
"The Exploring Enterprise Programme offered a new start and direction this year for local people. It has provided a unique opportunity to improve job prospects and consider self employment perhaps for the first time. The fact that the programme is free has ensured that it is open to those who most require the help".
The Exploring Enterprise Programme is funded by the Department of Employment and Learning (European Social Fund) through Enterprise Northern Ireland with match funding from Larne Borough Council.
A second programme is due to commence in Larne in September this year. For further details please contact Patricia Brennan at LEDCOM Tel 02828270742 or e-mail: PatriciaBrennan@ledcom.org
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