On Thursday last, October 6th we celebrated Certification Day 2016 in the Glasshouse Hotel. The event was a tremendous success with many special moments acknowledging the wonderful achievements of 83 learners. Among the certificates awarded were 39 QQI Major Awards at level 3 on the National Framework of Qualifications. In addition a large number of QQI component awards, ECDL, Safe Food for Life and VTCT certificates were presented. The ceremony was opened by Chairperson Michael Glennon, who introduced key speaker Sean Purcell, CEO MSLETB. Sean congratulated the learners and later in the ceremony presented each recipient with their award. Deputy Mayor Gino O’Boyle gave a very encouraging speech which resonated with everyone present as Gino himself is a past trainee of the centre. Following that, Nuala Healy of Lily’s and Lolly’s Café and Mary Halton of The Sligo Park Hotel spoke about their involvement with the link work programme. Some very brave past and present learners then took to the podium to share their experiences in the CTC with the audience. Well done; Andrew Farrell, Kathleen Ward, Jake Freeley Shanice Hayes and Cori Gorevan for your honest and inspiring accounts. Theresa Kilgannon of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership presented Try-a-triathlon certificates to members of the Girls Active Programme. A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Personal Achievement Award by Sean Burke to this year’s worthy recipient Ross Maher. The ceremony was closed by General Manager Gavin Dykes who took the opportunity to mark the success of our past trainee Cllr Gino O’Boyle by presenting him with a gift on behalf of his friends in the CTC. Following the ceremony everyone had a chance to relax and mingle while enjoying some nice refreshments and some delicious cake! We will post a selection of photographs of the event over the coming days on the blog.