Ballycommon Technology & Training Centre CLG is a community-owned Rural Social Enterprise Training Centre established in 1999. Our primary objective is to provide comprehensive training and services under two pillars: Advancement of Education and Services for Older Persons, to members of the local and wider community. We are a non-profit registered charity working with marginalized groups, part-funded by Pobal Community Services Programme (CSP). Conveniently located in a rural area just outside Tullamore in Co. Offaly, we offer easy accessibility to residents in the area.

We provide:

• Free parking onsite with EV charging points
• 2 Training Rooms with PCs for up to 15 students
• 1 Large Meeting Room for up to 20 people with an interactive smart screen
• 4 remote working desks with separate entrance
• Canteen facilities and wheelchair access
• A state-of-the-art Retrofit Workshop funded by the EU Just Transition Fund

Since its inauguration in March 2000, the centre has continuously flourished, becoming a pillar of education and development in the community. Currently, the centre employs a dedicated team of ten individuals, including three highly skilled IT and Soft Skill Facilitators/Tutors. Each of our tutors possesses extensive experience in their respective fields and holds accreditations as certified trainers, ensuring that the training provided at our centre meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. Moreover, we take pride in being recognized as an ICDL Accredited Test Centre, an ATO (Authorised Training Organisation – SOLAS), and a satellite centre for LOETB Retrofit QQI Level 5 Courses, further attesting to our commitment to excellence in Further Education & Training.

Our Training Programs

We offer a suite of IT accredited QQI Courses and non-accredited courses from Beginners to Advanced levels, including:

• Microsoft Office Applications
• Digital Literacy
• ICDL Training

In addition to our comprehensive IT and Soft Skills training under our Advancement of Education pillar, we offer Skills for Work Safety Training Courses:

• Safepass
• Retrofit
• Manual Handling
• First Aid Responder
• Working at Heights
• Abrasive Wheel
• Fire Marshall
• Basic First Aid
• Asbestos Awareness

These courses are designed to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a safe and secure working environment, contributing to the overall welfare and occupational health of individuals in various industries.

We also offer bespoke Personal Development Courses and Graphic Design Courses (Canva) either onsite at our training centre or offsite at client locations. We collaborate with other local training providers such as LOETB, CKLP, OLDC, LPC, and OTM.

Services for Older Persons

Under our Services for Older Persons pillar, we run:

• A weekly Meals on Wheels Service
• A Friendly Call Service
• A weekly activities morning for older persons from our community, with a free pick-up and drop-off service

Remote Working Facilities

BTTC is part of the Connecting Communities Hub in Offaly, with high-speed broadband available. Recognizing the growing trend of remote work, we have expanded our services to include remote working facilities available for both short-term and long-term hire. Our well-equipped facilities provide individuals and businesses with a conducive environment to carry out their work remotely, complete with reliable internet connectivity, comfortable workspaces, and necessary amenities. Whether someone needs a temporary space to work on a specific project or requires a long-term remote working solution, our centre caters to their needs.

Community Engagement

BTTC is also involved in other activities that benefit the community we serve, such as:

• Kids Robotics Clubs
• Kids Coding Camps
• Craft Clubs
• Summer Camps
• Meeting room hire

We are also involved in other education projects in collaboration with local organisations and support the local Community Employment Scheme (CE Scheme).

Summary

Ballycommon Technology and Training Centre CLG stands as a community-driven organisation dedicated to providing top-notch IT and Soft Skills Training, along with essential Safety Training courses. Our qualified tutors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that individuals receive comprehensive education and support. Additionally, our remote working facilities offer flexible solutions for those seeking a productive and convenient work environment.