Successful Exploring Enterprise participants receive their rewards

The programmes, which had been held in Larne and Carnlough, enabled 31 people to gain qualifications in Understanding Business Enterprise.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mark McKinty, who presented the awards, said: “On behalf of the council, I congratulate all who have received their certificates. I applaud their determination to undertake this programme and their effort to improve their employment prospects and to consider the option of self-employment.

Working with partners such as LEDCOM, Larne Borough Council is focused on improving the quality of life for everyone in the Borough, providing opportunities for all to reach their potential.”

The Exploring Enterprise 2 programme enables participants to improve their employment prospects by learning about self-employment and small business through the delivery of a recognised qualification in understanding business enterprise.

A number of participants spoke about the value of the programme. Mike McKeown told the invited audience how Exploring Enterprise had given him an insight into how small businesses operate which will help him with his new family business, BAS Ltd. which offers TV & Satellite Aerial Solutions.

William Ferguson spoke about the whole package of support offered by LEDCOM throughout the programme and the importance of the assistance offered by the one to one mentoring which has encouraged him to pursue further training. He thanked the staff for all the support and advice offered to everyone on the course.

All the successful participants receiving their certificates stated that they would recommend the Exploring Enterprise 2 Programme to others.

LEDCOM EEP programme manager, Patricia Brennan said: “This programme would not have been possible without the funding and practical support of Enterprise Northern Ireland, the Department for Employment and Learning, European Social Fund and Larne Borough Council and our thanks go to these organisations. I’m delighted that the programme has achieved and exceeded its objectives in Larne.”

The next exploring enterprise 2 programme will be targeting young people aged 17 to 25 years who are currently unemployed or working 16hrs or less a week. Anyone interested should contact Patricia Brennan at LEDCOM on 02828270742 or [email protected]

This project is part-financed by the European Social Fund, the Department for Employment and Learning, Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Local Enterprise Agencies under the Northern Ireland ESF Programme 2007-13.