West Offaly Job Club

“While some people may have few formal qualifications, they usually have a wide variety of skills which they can turn to their advantage. They may not recognise that what they have been doing at home or in the community is a valuable skill. It is all about selling yourself and convincing a prospective employer that you are the right person for the job.”
Catherine Hoctor

West Offaly Job Club began in October 1999 when West Offaly Integrated Development Partnership and FÁS agreed to offer a service to the unemployed people of Birr and the surrounding areas. Job Club offers support, assistance, advice and help to any one wishing to actively seek employment. If you are unemployed or if you wish to change jobs then call to the Job Club.

West Offaly Partnership Website
FÁS Website

The Job Club

The Job Club is an active, practical process in which participants will develop skills, which they will use in actual job finding activities under the guidance and the supervision of the job club leader. It is a facility where people come to work. To work at getting a job. The job club offers group and individual attention to those seeking work. This consists of advice and assistance with.

• CV preparation and design.
• Telephone skills.
• Letter of application.
• Advert Analysis.
• Interview techniques.
• Assertiveness.
• Confidence building.
• Computer practice.

An allowance is paid to those attending formal sessions toward travel and other expenses.
All typing, postage, newspaper and telephone calls to prospective employers are available free of charge.

Group Sessions: The training Course, runs for 3-5 weeks, in the mornings from 10.00 – 1.00.
One to One Sessions are also available by appointment in the afternoons. These are for people with specific requests, for example, career directions, interview preparation, etc.

Catherine Hoctor
Leader

Catherine joined W.O.P. in April 2002, after successfully establishing a Job Club in Tullamore with Tullamore Wider Options. Catherine was awarded a Diploma in Supported Employment from U.C.G., a Diploma in Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, and a Certificate in Training and Further Education from N.U.I. Maynooth. She previously worked as an Employer Based Training Co-ordinator with N.T.D.I. In Portlaoise. She is also a voluntary Tutor with the V.E.C. Catherine provides a quality and effective service to all members of the club.

Karen La Comber
Administrator

Karen is a native of Birr and has been with the Job Club since July 2000. Karen has completed various training courses including the European Computer Driving Licence (E.C.D.L.), website design and completed the advanced E.C.D.L. exam. Karen is to due commence a Diploma Course in Teacher Training in I.T. Skills, which will qualify her to teach computers and gain a recognised qualification in 32 countries. Karen, is responsible for the overall administration of the club.