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Minister launches Strabane & Lifford Women’s Centre’s 4Es project

29 October 2009

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today launched the Strabane & Lifford Women’s Centre’s Big Lottery-funded 4Es programme.

The 4Es refer to Engagement, Education, Empowerment and Employment and will help those who are furthest removed from the labour market.

Congratulating Manager Patricia Hegarty and staff of the Centre on successfully sourcing Big Lottery funding for the programme, the Minister said:  “We are all very aware of the existing challenges brought about by the economic downturn and the labour market in Strabane & Lifford, like many areas  has felt the effect . However, projects such as this offer work-focused training with the real possibility of acquiring a job on completion and will make a real difference to people’s lives, both socially and economically.”

The project will provide tailor-made training to 240 participants, both male and female, and address the traditional barriers to employment among the disadvantaged and marginalized, including skills gaps, learning difficulties and health problems. The Centre’s aim is to secure employment for at least 100 programme participants.

Sir Reg concluded: “It is crucial that employers engage with training providers in making work places available for jobseekers to get first hand experience thus giving them skills to compete for jobs.  I am particularly pleased to see that five of the major employers in the area - Asda, All State, Fir Trees, SuperValu and O’Neill’s - have agreed to participate in the project.

“I would encourage jobseekers to avail of this wonderful opportunity and wish the Strabane & Lifford Women’s Centre every success with the 4E’s project.”  

Notes to editors:

  1. Strabane & Lifford Women’s Centre is a voluntary organisation whose mission is “to empower women so that they can fulfil their potential through personal development, education and training programmes.”
  2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.