Rationale Behind the Training Links Grant Scheme 2011
The Wheel developed the Sector Skills initiative – of which Training Links is one of three elements - based on the recommendations from the first ever sector-wide independent review of training needs in the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, “Training Solutions for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland” (2005).
The research contained an outline for a developmental training solution for the community and voluntary sector that is capable of providing tangible benefits that meet the diverse needs identified by organisations within the sector.
Sector Skills involves three linked elements:
- The Training Links programme.
- The Stronger Leaders 12-day leadership programme for CEOs of community and voluntary groups.
- Learningpoint – a web-based searchable database containing training course and opportunities available all over Ireland for people working in community and voluntary organisations. Visit Learningpoint at www.wheel.ie/training.
The whole Sector Skills initiative is part-funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.
Approach
The Training Links programme is a network-led training programme where groups form 'training networks' to develop and implement shared training plans. Training Links is based on an approach that allows organisations and their staff to decide on their own training needs, and to develop solutions to those needs. Organisations are free to choose the training methods, courses, trainers or priorities that are most relevant to them and have those choices supported to make them happen. The Wheel will provide funding, facilitation, information and advice to assist organisations to deliver the solutions that they feel are most appropriate to their size, area of activity and employee developmental needs.
