Inclusion Works participants Deborah and Jordan recently attended WOMEN’STEC for a skill based tiling course. WOMEN’STEC is the largest quality provider of training for women in non-traditional skills in Northern Ireland. Based in North Belfast, available courses can include: Joinery, Furniture Making, Plumbing, Painting and Wallpapering, Electrics, Horticulture/Gardening, Herbs and Soils, Wall and Floor Tiling.

Speaking about the experience Jordan said:

“I’m interested in art, so my Case Officer Maria got me a placement to try something new. I really enjoyed going to the tiling course I developed a lot of new skills. It was interesting learning something new each week and getting to tile our own pieces. Maria came with me the first few days until I felt comfortable to go on my own. I have the opportunity to develop my skills further now and go to a mosaic course.”

Deborah, supported by Cedar Keyworker Caoimhe to complete OCN in Tiling, added:

“I have enjoyed my time at the WOMEN’STEC doing a tiling course. I also hope to do more courses. It is a friendly and relaxing environment to learn new skills, as well as my Tutor Geraldine I also had my mentor from Cedar, which was brilliant. It gave us some time without being in an office for appointments and build a relationship out of the office. Having her there boosted my confidence. I would recommend the WOMENS’TEC for all mothers who have a hectic lifestyle and are on extremely tight time restraints to learn a new skill and be more independent, also having the confidence to be able to do jobs around our homes and the sense of pride that comes with that." 

She added:

“We gained a Level 2 OCN qualification in tiling which is brilliant and can help us towards our future or a change in our chosen careers. Thank you to Cedar Foundation and the WOMEN’STEC for the knowledge I have gained, thank you.”

This project is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014 – 2020 and the Department for the Economy. Funding is also provided by the Department for Communities and all five local HSCTs in Northern Ireland.

Want to know more?

WOMEN’STEC supports women to return to employment in non-traditional sectors contributing to a diverse workforce and reducing the skills shortage in the Construction and ICT industries. If you would like to know more please visit their website.

Inclusion Works supports adults with disabilities who are keen to build employability skills and experience to be work ready, then moving into a paid job, college course or volunteering on leaving. Specialist physical disability, ASD and brain injury support is available and tailored to each individual and their needs. Following initial assessments, participants will build an action plan, drawn from a menu of choices to address their personal barriers and agree solutions to meet their employability and inclusion goals. Inclusion Works is person-centred, encouraging and supporting individuals to design their own programmes around their needs and aspirations, building confidence and independence.

If you would like to find out more about Cedar’s Inclusion Works programme please visit our dedicated page. You can also keep up to date with Cedar through Facebook and Twitter.