Over 100 people attended the opening of an amazing tribute to KEY’s 40 years of helping young people move forward.
The past and present trainees of KEY CTC stole the show on Tuesday 5th December at the Friary Hall in Kilkenny city where guest speakers shared their experience and fond memories of the last 4 decades along with their visions for continuing the success into the future.
Jim Maher, one of the original 1983 staff members, MC’d the event, Karl Johnson, Chair of the Board paid tribute to former management of the Centre, Gillian Ryan, Deputy Training Services Manager, acknowledged the fantastic work that went into the event and showcase and to the Learners in making KEY such a much needed and inclusive contribution to society.
Mayor Joe Malone shared his honest story of how a traditional schooling system may not be for everyone, and Majella Nugent – the first female Centre Manager of KEY, thanked all of the staff, supporters and trainees of KEY and vowed to continue the ethos of KEY: helping young people move forward
The highlight of the day was when Carmel, a current VTCT trainee, followed by Ultan and Melanie, two past trainees, took to the podium and shared their journey with a captivated audience. They each did themselves proud with their heartfelt and inspiring stories of how they gained confidence, friends, skills, experience and QQI qualifications through KEY.
The showcase which ran from Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th December welcomed members from the public, employers, guidance counsellors, resource centres, education centres and more. Visitors got to see a snapshot of what it’s like to attend KEY and how it has progressed over the years.
Kilkenny Employment for Youth CTC is run by a voluntary Board of Trustees and is funded by KCETB, the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
KEY has helped over 1,500 young people find alternative pathways to careers and education and welcomes any early school leavers aged between 16 and 21 years of age to contact the Centre to find out more. They also offer a 6 month link-work experience for ages 16 to 25. A training allowance is paid and facilitation and instruction is on a one to one basis.
For anyone interested in joining KEY or interested in learning more, contact info@keyctc.ie or call 056 776277
KEY would like to thank all the Learners past and present, Jim Maher, John McGuinness, Malcolm Noonan, Kathleen Funchion, Andrew McGuinness and Mayor Joe Malone. Huge thanks to the Kilkenny People, KEY’s suppliers, partners, KCETB, Staff, Employers of Kilkenny, and everyone who has supported KEY in helping young people move forward.
