NIUSE Training Service is to co-ordinate the design, development and delivery of training programmes on Supported Employment and provide a comprehensive Training Service for Supported Employment and vocational training and employment organisations throughout Northern Ireland.

By offering a wide range of work-based programmes, NIUSE strives to deliver both quality provision and good value.

Training Opportunities Available

• Short courses, seminars and training workshops offered
• Recognised courses with qualifications, ie Risk Assessment, Principled Negotiation Skills, Foundation Diploma and Diploma in Training & Education in Supported Employment.
• “What is Supported Employment?” training workshops are also offered to individual Supported Employment organisations.
• All training programmes are available for delivery in the workplace and are designed to be delivered at times to suit both participants and the employer.

Examples of previous training

• Job Finding & Marketing Techniques in Supported Employment
• Risk Assessment/Management
• Effective Communication & Negotiation Skills
• Introduction to Learning Disability
• Assertiveness Skills
• Principled Negotiation Skills
• IBIS Computerised Training
• Social Secuity Benefits
• Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
• Developing Natural Supports within the workplace

NIUSE Current Training Programme

NIUSE’s current training project in partnership with the Irish Association of Supported Employment (IASE) and the Open Training College, Dublin (OTC) are delivering the Foundation Diploma in Training and Education in Supported Employment (FDSE) and the Diploma in Training & Education in Supported Employment (DSE).

The current project is funded under the Peace II Extension Programme – Measure 5.4 Promoting Joint Approaches to Social, Education, Training and Human Resource Development, administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

The training courses are currently being delivered at a reduced rate to 10 participants from Northern Ireland and 10 participants from the six southern border counties, ie Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Louth and Monaghan to attend each training course.

Commenced in November 2006, the Foundation Diploma in Training and Education in Supported Employment aims to provide Supported Employment Practitioners with professional education and training in the principals and practices of Supported Employment. On successful completion of the course, participants will receive credits towards the Diploma in Training and Education in Supported Employment and will be guaranteed access to the Honours B.A. in Applied Social Studies (Disability). There will also be a second FDSE training course being held in September 2007.

Commencing in January 2007, the Diploma in Training and Education in Supported Employment aims to provide Supported Employment Practitioners with the in-depth knowledge, skills and competencies required to manage the process of assisting individuals with support needs to find and keep paid employment. The course is accredited by National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI, Galway) and leads to an NUI, Galway - Diploma in Training and Education (NQAI Level 7). Graduates have automatic access to 3rd year of a 4 year:

• Honours B.A. Degree in Training and Education (NQAI Level 8) or
• Honours B.A. Degree in Applied Social Studies (Disability) (NQAI Level 8)

Both these courses aim to provide participants with an in depth understanding of the development and application of Supported Employment as a model of service delivery in a variety of disability or health related contexts. The courses are targeted at staff working in Supported Employment services, vocational, workshop or sheltered occupational services and at staff working with other groups seeking social inclusion through work.

Quotes & Photographs from previous training courses

“An excellent course, very motivative and participative”

“Increase confidence in workplace”

“Being more assertive and positive in my job”

Assertiveness Skills Training – February 2006

“This course was excellent and extremely informative for my role as an Employment Officer.”

Job Finding & Marketing Techniques in Supported Employment – March 2006

“Has increased my knowledge and will help me to implement natural supports within the workplace in my current role.”

Developing Natural Supports – September 2006

“Very informative, interesting and helpful workshop – enjoyed it very much.”

What is Supported Employment? – October 2006

Job Finding & Marketing Techniques – October 2005

Assertiveness Skills Training – February 2006

Participants receiving their Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Risk Assessment Certificates – January 2005