‘Hidden gem’ training centre marks 40 successful years
Pauline Slattery, the wife of the late Harry Slattery, founder and chairman of Carlow Youth Employment, and cllr Andrea Dalton (chairperson of KCETB) unveil a plaque during Carlow Youth Training's 40th anniversary celebrations Photos: Michael O'Rourke Photography
CARLOW Youth Training celebrated its 40th birthday on 18 November with an event at their premises in Askea Business Park. The service was founded by the late Harry Slattery and first opened its doors in 1985.
Over the last four decades, it has provided training and educational courses for 16- to 21-year-olds at all Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) levels across a variety of subjects.
The celebratory event was attended by students and staff past and present, members of local community agencies and more.
“Harry Slattery founded the centre all those years ago, and it was great to have his wife Pauline and a good cohort of his family members here on Tuesday to acknowledge it,” said the centre’s general manager JJ Grace.
Ms Slattery unveiled a memorial plaque alongside cllr Andrea Dalton, chairwoman of the Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board, to recognise the 40 years.
Mr Grace said: “Mayor of Carlow cllr Paul Doogue described us as a ‘hidden gem’ and that’s exactly how we work here.
“When people need us, they find us. Schooling isn’t for everybody, and we’re an alternative for that.
“It is a place for people to get back into education or employment, or even apprenticeships down the line.”
Carlow Youth Training offers courses and certificates in a range of qualifications, including fashion design, construction, beauty therapy, gym instruction, hairdressing and barbering.
For more information, visit info@carlowyouthtraining.org or phone 059 9132245 and ask for JJ.
