OPENING: Killarney Youthreach has opened in a new purpose built premises. Resource worker Majella Hegarty and coordinator John Adams will welcome students from next week. Photo: Sean Moriarty

By Sean Moriarty

Killarney Youthreach has opened a new purpose built premises to the rear of 50 High Street in the town centre.

Killarney Youthreach, run by the Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB), offers early school leavers aged 15 to 20 a chance to gain qualifications and develop skills to further their education and employment prospects.

It was previously operated by Kerry Diocesan Youth Service but will now come under the umbrella of the Kerry ETB.

This new state-of-the-art centre for education is headed up by John Adams and his team of education professionals.

Staff moved in this week and they are expecting their first students early next week.

“We offer two main courses, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 3 (NQF Junior Cert equivalent) and QQI Level 4 (NQF pass Leaving Cert equivalent),” John Adams told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Each course has a range of subjects including computers, maths, communications, biology, interpersonal skills and art.”

Killarney Youthreach also offers work experience, sports, outdoor activities, personal development, as well as CV and interview preparation.

Youthreach is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-20.

A training allowance is provided and those interested in joining can contact 064 663 2559.