The WEA has been working with the Greenway Women’s Centre for a number of years and 11 women have just completed the Learning to Earning programme in July 2008.  The programme started in March 09 and ran for 15 weeks.  An enthusiastic group of women were attracted to the programme as they were interested to boost their confidence and gain skills to seek employment. 

The participants attended personal development training and received help in compiling a CV as well as receiving practical support and training to improve their interview skills.  The women also worked towards an ICT qualification and now know how to search for employment using the internet and complete online application forms.  One of the participants Jenny Banham had been self employed for 10 years working on her own and was attracted to the programme to meet people and to find out about the employment market in general.  At home with a young son she felt she has lost some of her social skills and confidence.

Jenny particularly enjoyed the Personal Development training.  Meeting new people helped Jenny improve her confidence and she learnt how to become more assertive.  Jenny said:

I particularly enjoyed the speakers that the WEA organised on the programme such as EGSA, Stepping Stones, WomensTEC and the local Job Centre.  I didn’t realise there were so many opportunities and educational programmes available.  The programme helped me to assess my own skills and abilities and without the programme I would not have contacted Belfast Metropolitan to enquire about their courses.  I have now enrolled on a dental nursing course and will start this course in September.  I am very excited about the future and without the help and support of the WEA and Greenway Women’s Centre I would never have gained the confidence or vision to think about enrolling on a course.  I am very excited about the future.