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The recent Ready-Steady-Go open day held in the Blanchardstown Area Partnership (BAP) offices at Dillon House in Coolmine attracted an attendance of over 120 people. The aim of the day was to give unemployed people a sense of the
services available to them in the area and also to offer some practical support to people in their search for employment.
According to Terry McCabe, deputy manager of BAP, the day was arranged to support people who find themselves unemployed - maybe for the first time in their lives - and to familiarise them with the services that are available in the area. "We also wanted to introduce an element of positivity to the landscape of unemployment by reminding people that this is an optimum time to up-skill, so that they can be better equipped for employment when the upturn comes", she said.
Agencies and groups who provide services to the unemployed were present on the day to provide information while staff were available to speak with people and provide them with details of services that they offered.
Among the agencies present were Money Advice & Budgeting (MABS); Citizens Information Centre (CIC); Vocational Education Committee (VEC); Fastrack to Information Technology (FIT); Blanchardstown Centre for the Unemployed (BCU); BAPTEC – Community IT Training Centre and the Local Employment Service (LES/Joblink).
Workshops were also provided throughout the morning. These included sessions on improving interview skills and a C.V. Clinic to offer tips on updating CVs. There was also a workshop offering information for those considering setting up in business for themselves and a Group Guidance workshop to encourage participants examine their interests and abilities.
BAPTEC also provided an IT workshop offering computer assessment and information on email / internet, social networking and Twitter.
According to Terry McCabe, "overall feedback on the day was very positive and it is hoped to repeat the event later in the year."
For further information contact BAP on 01 820 9550.
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