Plans in the pipeline to expand pilot Safe Pass training programme launched in Strokestown
Selina Galvin, Project Manager of John F. Hanley Ltd. pictured with Minister Marian Harkin at the launch of the Safe Pass project. Pic: Gerard O'Loughlin
Plans are in the pipeline to expand a pilot Safe Pass training programme, launched recently at the Kilglass Training Centre in Strokestown.
The programme, which equips Transition Year students with essential health and safety certifications, could now be extended across the Midlands region using EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) resources.
The pilot scheme was spearheaded by Selina Galvin, Project Manager at JF Hanley Ltd, in collaboration with local construction leader Shannon Valley Ltd and training provider NCTS Ltd. It was officially launched by Minister of State Marian Harkin, who commended the innovative approach to engaging young people with careers in construction.
The project eliminates financial barriers by covering the €205 cost of Safe Pass training, enabling students to access opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Two leading local construction companies, JF Hanley Ltd and Shannon Valley Ltd, are sponsoring a fully funded Safe Pass and Manual Handling certification course for Transition Year students at Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to inspire young people to consider careers in construction by removing financial barriers and equipping them with essential health and safety training required for employment in the industry.
The programme, spearheaded by Selina Galvin of JF Hanley Ltd, is the first of its kind in the region and could serve as a model nationwide. Selina, whose daughter is a Transition Year student at Scoil Mhuire, believes that this programme is one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways of engaging young people with the construction industry.
"By funding this training, we’re opening doors for students to see construction as a viable and rewarding career path,” said Selina.
MEP Ciaran Mullooly highlighted the importance of early intervention in workforce development. "We must start early," he said. “This is precisely the type of training initiative we need on a national basis."
MEP Mullooly expressed his intention to scale up this initiative across the Midlands region and beyond. "I am pleased to announce that I have held discussions with education and training boards in the Midlands and the Technological University of Shannon," he stated.
"We will now explore ways to utilise Just Transition funding to roll out this training for up to 20,000 Transition Year students over the next 12 months, starting this September."
