KILKENNY EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUTH (KEY) OPEN DAY – MAY 2026

Community, Education and Training for Learners Aged 16 to 21
Helping Young People Move Forward

Date: 7 May 2026
Venue: Garden Row, Kilkenny

Introduction

Kilkenny Employment for Youth (KEY), one of Kilkenny City and County’s most learner-focused training centres hosted its Open Day on Thursday, 7 May, showcasing the outstanding work, skills, achievements, and progression opportunities that have transformed the lives and career prospects of more than 1,500 young people since 1983.

Kilkenny Employment for Youth currently provides training and education in a wide range of areas, including:

• Catering and Hospitality
• Hairdressing and Barbering
• Make-Up
• Woodwork
• Art
• Customer Service
• Business and Office Administration
• Work Experience

Accreditation is provided through KCETB, QQI, and VTCT.

Also available is the Linked Work Experience (LWE) Programme, open to learners aged 16 to 25. This programme matches participants with sponsor companies for a structured long-term work experience placement lasting up to six months.

Overview of the Event

The Open Day was a great success, with the training centre full of energy and enthusiasm as visitors explored the wide range of learning opportunities available.

The event provided a welcoming introduction for prospective learners, as well as representatives from local organisations working with young people, many of whom may see KEY as an important first step towards further education, training, or employment.

The atmosphere throughout the day was warm, friendly, and engaging, with instructors, current learners, and support staff available to answer questions and provide information about the programmes on offer.

Visitors toured the centre and experienced some of its standout facilities, including:

• A fully commercial catering kitchen
• A fully operational hair salon
• An impressively equipped woodwork workshop

However, KEY offers far more than vocational training alone.

The centre actively promotes self-confidence, personal development, advocacy, numeracy and literacy support, wellbeing workshops, team-building, and community engagement. Most importantly, it provides a safe, supportive environment where young people can identify their strengths, overcome challenges, and build a pathway towards further education, training, or meaningful employment.

Guests and Supporters

The centre extends its sincere thanks to everyone who took time from their busy schedules to attend, particularly:

• Deputy John McGuinness TD, Leas-Cheann Comhairle
• Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere TD
• Councillor Maria Dollard

Representatives from:

• KCETB Community Training Services
• KCETB Quality Assurance Support Team
• KCETB Apprenticeship Team
• Kilkenny LEADER Partnership
• Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM)
• Foróige
• Ossory Youth
• Tusla

Special thanks also to the principals, teachers, and coordinators from local schools who engaged with the Open Day and brought students along to experience what KEY has to offer.

KEY is funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union and operates under the auspices of Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB).