Newly Arrived? What do I need to know?

GEMS NI were successful in gaining the tender to develop an integration programme for the Good relations Unit of BCC under Peace 3. The unit wanted a training programme which will address key issues that will assist new communities to live, work and integrate into Belfast.

We have identified the programme as ‘Living in Belfast’ and our methodology has been designed to develop an innovative package using the support, knowledge and expertise available within the BCC Migrant Forum.

Pilot Training Programme (10 hours)

The training programme was piloted with a selection of GEMS current clients from a wide range of cultures and countries with participants from Poland, Ukraine, Portugal, Cameroon and Russia. Through this we gained invaluable feedback that was used to revise the guide and training package.

Train the Trainer (6 hours)

The programme has a two-prong approach of “Train the Trainer” and training to new communities. It will be rolled out to 10 plus trainers involved in Belfast City Council’s Migrant Forum or other organisations who are from a network of organisations that provide services to our new community. Each trainer along with GEMS NI will be required to deliver the training package to at least 10 trainees over the duration of the project. The back pocket guide will be given to everyone who attends the training.

Would you like to develop your English, Maths or ICT skills? 

Then the Learner Access Engagement programme might be for you!

Gems NI are offering free training locally, which is available to anyone who is unemployed (between 19-65 years of age).  You need to live in the South Belfast area, and not have a GCSE (or equivalent qualification), in maths English or ICT.  More than one course can be undertaken.

All levels are catered for in a friendly, relaxed environment. Not only will you get a recognised qualification for the learning, but you will also receive a financial incentive for completion the course.  All the learning takes place in a friendly, relaxed environment.

Many adults choose to return to learning to develop these skills for many different reasons.  It may be for personal reasons; to improve skills for work or at home.  Many parents have found this learning to be of great value, as it has helped them assist their children with school homework.  We have also found that it has also been an excellent starting point for life long learning and a return to education for adults.  Building these skills can also help adults further develop motivation and confidence, to engage and participate in activities in the community.

If you are interested in this great opportunity, give us a call and get learning!

Contact Shane, on 02890 332 313 to find out more.

K – Knowledge                                                                               

E – Experience

S – Skills

T – Training

R – Respect

E – Empowerment

L-   Lifelong learning

GEMS NI is delighted to announce that we have received funding support from The Atlantic Philanthropies for the 3 year Kestrel Project which aims engender lasting change in the lives of older adults who are disadvantaged and vulnerable through the Kestrel “Age Positive” threefold objective:

1. Helping older people who experience labour market disadvantage to increase their employability, engage in learning and development opportunities and   develop their employment and volunteering opportunities.

1. Working with employers to improve how older people in the workplace are valued, how their career development needs and career progression opportunities are met and how change is managed.

1. Exploring how personal succession planning can support, encourage and enable older people who are considering retirement from paid employment to challenge their own perceptions on ageing and  create opportunities for lifelong learning and improved health and wellbeing

Kestrel Aims

Kestrel aims to make a meaningful difference to the experience and opportunities available to people in the 50 plus age range as both job seekers and employees and also in determining their choice of next steps following employment.

Kestrel objectives

To provide opportunities for people in the 50 plus age range to improve their employment prospects though engagement in age-positive careers guidance and personal mentoring support and access to training and development opportunities which consolidate their existing skills knowledge and experience and create personal learning pathways to support career aspirations and develop choices and alternatives when continuing in a certain job is not an option due to for example an age-onset health condition.