The event was arranged in conjunction with Newry Chamber of Trade and Commerce. The Chamber are the leading voice and forum for the Newry business community and are very active in promoting and maximising economic development for the Greater Newry Area at local, regional and national level.
The aim of the business breakfast was to promote and inform the business community about the help available from Wade Training Ltd., aimed at assisting and meeting employer’s needs in the current economic downturn.
The seminar was opened by Kieran Fegan, JBO District Manager, who set the scene with facts and figures on the extent of the task facing unemployed people in the area. Kieran outlined the help available to employers through programmes such as Steps to Work and ApprenticeshipNI, highlighting the good working relationship between local Jobs & Benefits Office’s and Wade Training.
The relationship is very much a “hand and glove partnership”, and of paramount importance in delivering the programmes locally and effectively on the ground.
Patricia McEvoy, Operations Director, led the presentation for Wade Training with a very informative PowerPoint, covering the background to the Company, core objectives and services. Patricia cited actual cases and pilot schemes, including the working pilot with The Southern Area Trust, emphasizing how programmes can be tailored to suit employers. Patricia stressed the flexibility of services offered by Wade Training and that all services and programmes offered to employers are free of cost.
Patricia identified the critical importance of employer feedback in identifying their specific needs and in finding the best way forward in addressing those needs. Information packs about Wade Training’s services were distributed to those in attendance, proving very informative and were very well received.
Kevin McDonald, HR Manager of Point Building Services addressed the seminar from an employer view. Kevin spoke very highly of his experiences with Wade Training and how effective the programmes had been within his company. Kevin also commended the Wade Newry staff and how accommodating he found them, giving Shauna Cahill high praise for always being ready and willing to go the extra mile.
In closing Patricia paid thanks to those employers taking the time to attend, Kieran Fegan & staff, Kevin McDonald, Newry Chamber of Trade & Commerce and for the excellent facilities and breakfast provided by The Canal Court Hotel.
For a detailed overview of Wade training services CLICK HERE
