Backing BIA Innovator...
Galway Rural Development announced last week that they are placing six Community Employment (CE) participants into the BIA Innovator Campus in a variety of roles. The €7m food innovation campus, located alongside Galway Rural Development (GRD) and Teagasc, remains on target to support 40 food companies and create 360 jobs in the region over the coming years.
Pictured at the Bia-Innovator Campus this week were Community Employment Supervisor Mary Feeney with participants and sponsors. Back row: Martin Kelly (BIA), Mary Feeney (GRD), Peter Feeney (Chairperson, BIA), Steve Dolan (CEO, GRD), Anne Kinsella (Teagasc and GRD). Front Row: Devon Butterfield (BIA), Alla Vasylenko (GRD), Bedor Alhawarna (GRD), Rita Flaherty (GRD), Jacqui Mc Hugh (GRD), and Mary Ruane Somers (GRD).
Community Employment (CE) programmes, like that operated by GRD are funded by the Department of Social Protection and designed to help people who are long-term unemployed, or otherwise disadvantaged, to get back to work. Participants are offered part-time placements, based within local communities, and GRD Supervisor Mary Feeney highlighted the many opportunities available for suitable applicants. “These roles in the BIA campus are the essence of our CE scheme” said Mary. “Participants are providing invaluable support to the central team and to the small local enterprises therein, while at the same time availing of training and educational opportunities and invaluable experience. We are delighted to support the BIA Innovator team in this way. We have two participants in customer service, one receptionist, and three production assistants working in quality and hygiene and helping the kitchen users”.
Training needs are identified by the Supervisor and approved in conjunction with the CEO Steve Dolan. Participant development is the core feature of community employment and to date those participants have completed training in HACCP, First Aid Responder accredited by PHECC, QQI training in Information Technology, Internet Skills, Health and Safety at work and Implementing Food Safety Management.
Chairperson of GRD Cllr Pete Roche added “We are very proud of our Community Employment programme here in GRD and the work that Mary and her participants undertake, not only within the BIA Campus, but also in villages like Craughwell where participants contribute everywhere from the GAA, CUFC and Athletic Club, to Tidy Towns and the upkeep of Parish grounds along with the Community hall. There are still CE opportunities based in GRD and Craughwell and all those interested can contact Mary on 087 1324723”
In addition to being proud to assist the Bia Innovator team through ‘Community Employment’, last year GRD provided an additional €42,000 to BIA Innovator towards furnishing and equipment, bringing GRD’s contribution through LEADER to €200,000. The campus is now flourishing and has been a huge success to date.
