County Derry Post

An invaluable Limavady based training company is facing closure unless it can generate more funding.  North West Lifelong Learning Association (NWLLA) are currently struggling to meet training costs with staff fearing there will be no one to replace their first class services if they have to shut down.

Now NWLLA have joined forces with Portglenone based training centre, Community Focus Learning, in a bid to raise much needed funds for these worthy charities.

Both training companies recently launched their new e-portfolio type NVQs which can provide learners with qualifications in half the time. 

Those in full time employment can still gain a recognised qualification within three months in a range of courses including retail, administration and ICT, and it’s all completed on the internet.

A one day course aimed at businesses is also available giving employers and employees the opportunity to learn the basics about disability issues and discrimination at work.

Betty McNerlin, founder of NWLLA said: “We hope that we can generate some income by providing these courses, because come July we will have run out of funds and could be in bother.”

The group, which was set up in 2003 as a dedicated charity receives no funding, except from a few generous businesses and the threat of closure could have a big impact on the local community.

According to Betty: “We fulfil a definite niche in the market and if we go, who is going to replace us? Money and sponsorship is what we desperately need at the present time.”

The group recently won an All Ireland highly commended award for adult learners and are now hoping they can carry on that success and continue to provide invaluable training for the local community.

If you would like to donate funds to these charities contact Betty McNerlin on 7776 4429 or Anne McKinley on 2582 1184.