The ESF+ was thrilled to be at the AONTAS STAR awards 2024 in Croke Park on March 8th, an event showcasing talent and awarding recognition in adult education and training. The ESF+ once again sponsored a Special Recognition Award for an ESF initiative.
Twenty-four nominees were shortlisted amongst five categories, and four of these projects were also shortlisted for an ESF Special Recognition Award, recognising excellence in ESF co-funded initiatives.
The awards kicked off with music from the Dublin Ukulele collective, and Chairperson of AONTAS John D’Arcy opened the ceremony, recognising the talent and achievement of adult learning initiatives across the country. Special Guest PJ Gallagher spoke about his experience as an early school leaver, and how adult learning changed the direction of his life.
The projects that were shortlisted for ESF Special Recognition Award at AONTAS STAR Awards 2024 were:
Gorey Pathfinders ALC;
St John’s Junior School Intercultural Cookbook;
Trav Story Sack;
KWETB Advanced Manufacturing Traineeship.
The ESF+ was delighted to announce that KWETB won this years’ ESF Special Recognition Award for their Level 6 Advanced Manufacturing Traineeship Programme.
Operating in Celbridge since 2015, the Traineeship Programme helps those marginalised from the workplace to secure high quality life changing jobs in the thriving tech/pharma industry. The Traineeship caters to communities traditionally underrepresented in Advanced Manufacturing: women, early school leavers, the long-term unemployed, and refugees.
The initiative aligns with the priorities of the ESF+: improving access to employment and education opportunities and enhancing social inclusion. They are certainly worthy winners. Congratulations to them and the other shortlisted nominees!
