160 SKILLVEC graduates receive FETAC Awards

“Programme assists in delivering services to patients” Calleary

Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary T.D., today, 21st November 2009, presented FETAC further education certificates to 160 graduates of SKILLVEC. The graduates are receiving certificates in "Health Service Skills", “Supervisory Management Skills" and “General Learning” in a range of essential support services to healthcare professionals.

Speaking at the event, Minister Calleary paid tribute to the graduates and the critical role they and other public servants play in the health service. Commending their professionalism and commitment to enhanced patient care, the Minister said “Despite the difficult economic environment, the Government remains committed to helping people to return to education and to maximise their chances of career progression. FETAC courses are critically important. They enhance qualifications and employment prospects. And in the case of SKILLVEC, they can help to save lives and improve our healthcare system”.

This is third group of successful graduates receiving their SKILLVEC certificates this year, with graduation ceremonies been held in Dublin, Cork and today in Sligo. This ceremony honours graduates from Mayo, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary North.

The SKILL (Securing Knowledge Intra Lifelong Learning) Programme is a designated central training and development initiative for 32,000 support staff and their supervisors employed in the Irish health and personnel social services. It has its origins in a 2003 development and restructuring agreement between employer and union sides entitled “Recognising and Respecting the Role”.

To date over 5,000 HSE staff members have been enrolled on the SKILLVEC programme. SKILLVEC is widely acknowledged as a highly successful programme. Independent assessments of outcomes shows that graduates are much more aware of what’s involved in patient care and the role of others in the HSE.

In conclusion Minister Calleary said “I’m confident that the SKILLVEC programme will enrich your experience and performance in the workplace and add value to your longer-term career aspirations. I congratulate each and every one of you and your families and wish you every success with your career.”

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