Training Service

This Service gives people with learning difficulties with the tools they need to tackle the barriers they face when looking for paid employment in the open labour market. It provides them with innovative accredited training courses and the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications and vocational skills in:

• Hospitality and Catering services
• Pre-employment skills

Qualifications available are:

• NVQ Level 1 in Catering & Hospitality
• Essential Food Hygiene Certificate
• Health & Safety Training
• Silver Barrista Coffee Training
• Money Management
• Independent Travel
• Pre Employment Skills

These courses specifically address the barriers to getting a job and keeping it. They also help individuals to understand money and getting paid and teach them how to travel independently. All courses delivered within this innovative Service are accredited and are tailored to meet each individuals learning and support needs. As each individual develops new skills through their training we liaise closely with NOW's Employment Service team to ensure that they can use their skills to access paid employment in their local communities.

Catering Training: The Catering Training package offers a practical work placement and classroom-based training in one of our vibrant Loaf cafés. The training enables individuals to gain nationally recognised qualifications within the catering field.

Money Management: Provides individuals with the experience and skills they require to set up and manage their bank account. These skills are particularly important when they are moving into paid employment. The course has been designed and developed by NOW to meet an identified need and is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Independent Travel Training: Enables individuals to practice and gain the skills they require for traveling independently in a safe environment. Incorporated into the programme is the use of ICT with a specialised CD Rom interactive training package, which participants can use independently, or with support.

Pre Employment Skills: Introduces individuals to the world of work and helps people understand their rights in employment and what is expected of them as employees. We examine areas such as Health and Safety, Job Search and Appropriate Work Behaviour. These skills form the foundations for working towards paid employment.

Project Unify: This is a strategic partnership with the Orchardville Society. it aims to standardise a suite of training programmes for people with learning difficulties across a number of providers in Belfast. Working in partnership with the Orchardville Society, NOW will take the lead in developing work preparation training courses for young people with learning difficulties who are leaving Special Schools and transitioning to further education or employment, or for adults with learning difficulties who have had negative experiences in school and would like to improve their lives.