Agency Funded Training

Our Agency Funded Training programmes utilise traditional boatbuilding, woodworking and rowing to promote participant's social and personal development:

BÁDOIREACHT (Youth at Risk):

Bádoireacht is a unique boatbuilding and rowing service for young people (ages 14 – 18). It has been running successfully since 2002 with an average of 130 young people participating each year. Young people have an opportunity to learn to row currachs, sail and to build their own boats and Currach Replicas & wood crafts.

 In 2008 we added the 38ft  Bantry longboat, "Fionbarra" – Bantry Bay Longboat, to our fleet. Through this project we foster and develop personal and social development. Teamwork and responsibility are integral to what we do. We work with Youth Development Projects, Probation Services ang="GA">, Justice projects, Ógra Chorcaí, Foróigeand many more youth projects.

 BACK TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE

The Back to Education Initiative - part funded by the Department of Education & Science – provides an alternative route to basic numeracy, communications and literacy using boatbuilding skills as the vehicle. Participants can achieve FETACWoodwork course qualifications.

 At Meitheal Mara we specifically target early school leavers & homeless youth (ages 15+) in our BTEI programmes. Referals come from H.S.E. and Probation Services.

 BTEI also runs highly successful canoe and coracle building courses for people with physical challenges and mental health difficulties in partnership with Headway, Citylinks (H.S.E.) and the National Learning Network Rehabilitation Programme.

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT SCHEME

Working with long term unemployed people, and funded by FÁS, Meitheal Mara offer a 1 to 3 year Community Employment training programme & work environment where confidence can be built, skills learnt and developed and a gateway given back to the workforce.

Office and Boat Yard (boatbuilding & woodwork) positions are available.

For boat yard positions we offer FETAC Level 3 & 4 boat building qualifications.

All participants are encouraged in health & safety training, literacy, computers and through our individual training program are also encouraged to explore opportunities to increase their value to future employers.

COMMUNITY SERVICES PROGRAMME

This programme is administered by POBAL for the Department of Social Protection. It provides places for people with disabilities or who are in recovery to work and learn in a safe and supportive enviroment. The programme can be personalised & tailored to suit each individuals needs.

Office and Boat Yard (boatbuilding & woodwork) positions are available.

The programme contributes to Meitheal Mara's sustainability by allowing us to provide goods and services to customers on a semi-commercial basis and provides a step-up for our woodwork trainees. Examples of the work produced include model currachs, hardwood chairs, tables, etc.

The “Fionbarra” – Bantry Bay Longboat was completed under this programme.

Séamus O Brien - Workshop Manager