WITH students starting college and returning to school, Limerick Youth Service (LYS) is keen to raise awareness that for some young people, the ‘traditional educational route’ may not suit them.
For those for whom it does not, LYS has a several has further education and training courses for young people (16-20yrs) who have left school early and maybe unemployed.
Diamuid O’Connor is an LYS alumni who shared his experiences of his journey from leaving school, returning to education, and progressing to third level.
‘Before going to LYS, I was unemployed and out of education for about 4 years after leaving school at 16,’ said Diarmuid, a past learner with LYS.
‘I had a bad experience with education and had no real sense of direction or purpose in my life. It was LYS that gave me the confidence to pursue an education I thought I was not capable of or was not for me,’ said Diarmuid.
Diarmuid studied a Retail Skills course and at LYS’ Community Training Centre and is now studying a degree in Electrical Engineering at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Moylish, Limerick.
Diarmuid experiences with LYS are similar to many other teenagers who, for a number of reasons, leave mainstream school early.
“While the mainstream educational system works for many, there are some young people for whom it does not suit and that’s where organisations like LYS play a vital part,” said Kathryn Clancy, Manager, LYS’ Community Training Centre.
“We meet young people at a certain time in their lives and inform and support them to progress to further education and/or employment.”
A full list of the courses available at LYS can be accessed at www.limerickyouthservice.com with this interested asked to contact the team at lys@limerickyouthservice.org or call 061-412444.
