Course Overview
The Linked Work Experience (LWE) is a 6-month, 30 hours-a-week programme that provides an opportunity for a learner to gain on-the-job experience having completed their course in the CTC. The learner is paid a training allowance during their placement and ongoing support is provided by the linked work coordinator who works closely and collaboratively with the employer.
Prior to Linked Work Experience
Before completing their course in the Community Training Centre, the LWE Coordinator will work with the learner to help identify their interests and opportunities for LWE. An exit plan will be devised with the learner which will include possible LWE placements as well as exploring other options including PLC’s, alternative courses and apprenticeships.
While on Linked Work Experience
The learner will receive guidance from an experienced company mentor over the duration of the six-month placement. The LWE Coordinator will meet regularly with the learner and the company mentor to support a successful placement.
Duration
6 months.
“The Linked work programme helped me find the path I wanted to take in life and I have gone on to do a Beauty Therapy level 6 course. I hope to continue to learn about beauty and have my own business one day. Only for linked work I wouldn’t know what I’d wanted to do in life so I am thankful that I participated in the programme while in the CTC”.
“I moved from Monaghan to Sligo to do the Hairdressing course in the CTC, and after to progress onto the Level 5 Hairdressing course in the ETB. The Linked Work allowed me to continue my training five days a week in a busy Salon, provided financial support to allow me to still live in Sligo and gave me the opportunity to gain employment with Salon 2 in Sligo”.
“I completed the catering course in the Centre earlier this year and went on Linked Work in a bakery in town. Linked Work gave me the opportunity to gain experience in a busy kitchen knowing I had the support from the Centre and it also led me to achieving a full time job in the bakery when I was finished”.
“After attending the computer course in the CTC I decided to do the Linked Work with a plumber as it was an area I was interested in. I am currently doing an apprenticeship as a plumber and I am really enjoying it. I am very happy to have done Linked Work as it gave me an opportunity to get some experience before starting the apprenticeship.”