National Learning Network Castlerea

27/08/2026

Many Thanks to Dr Martin Daly TD for attending our open evening in Castlerea NLN

18/08/2026

On August 27th 2026, National Learning Network Castlerea will take part in our National Open Evening from 5pm – 7pm.

This year’s theme, g , shines a light on what meaningful employment truly represents; confidence, independence, community, purpose, and opportunity.

At NLN, we believe education is not just about qualifications.
It’s about unlocking potential and building futures.

30/07/2026

03/06/2026

21/05/2026

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fevents.teams.microsoft.com%2Fevent%2F5cb31f18-bef6-41aa-94a2-d8a23ad784a9%405e70b29f-d5ea-45af-8a0d-9d8f596877be%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwM3NkM0N2U2VvNlR1amlVdnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5fPDvQ90c29bT6Qz3eBavw9scL1mlGAq7-kXaDAeMfA6cgiJwjwALAhquO-g_aem_1Gk75t3YDjaI7250BuIPjQ&h=AUB5JuYPaOjA0SffHqFHqzpPmr9ODzZh2ykU5HOhs9ImPLpOTaQTGoo6kmkECG791sXy2adenD2uHRjnqea_im4M63IkkTWRyZWzchF-CYJX_wFJKwADaThRKEKMjNf7xnYfeS1C6Arndw&__tn__=-UK*F&c[0]=AUBTpIaRQdaxd0KOPxdjdPETdTscP-w5bBU_cR07u6nVeLjstVK5B19yChd6OZy1fU4AknUD5q4FEWa07v2CzhigHwFu9-YH7hwbSlHnqDns5ngTn-9O5YjZwIW_tJl2cF6lUVHisx49T-OB0kWspnnQ8yIXgaauoDXDPUd06j_Uxt5S31TJChaPuNFigxJpQISIQIEMhpxwdMc-enSGLulvGQKuqHkfgJTeo5mrz4tMc0HIzx37NQ

20/05/2026

We currently have a vacancy on our team. Click on the link for further details and to apply
https://careers.rehab.ie/job/relief-instructor-5730808?source=rehab.ie

15/04/2026

“My life was at a very low ebb and in the darkest of places. Basically I didn't want to be here anymore. I knew for my life to change, I needed a starting point. Through counselling, National Learning Network was mentioned but I kept putting it on the back burner. While experiencing emotional turmoil, it is inherently difficult for individuals to navigate their way through it but they can develop remarkable resilience and strength if they can overcome it.

Meeting Cormac, the NLN Dundalk manager, was an eye opener. Cormac listened and offered me a lifeline - a place on Fresh Start at NLN. Only recently did I find out that, after my first meeting with Cormac, he said that he really hoped that I would come back, but I knew from that conversation, NLN wasn't just offering me a sanctuary, it was a place where I could find the real me and maybe discover talents that had laid dormant. But the most important thing for me to find was my voice.

The NLN team provided me with the tools and support to help me process and heal. I was struggling with significant anxiety and Kieva, my instructor, would lay bare to this fact. I had been bullied for many years in my previous workplace and I actually got to the realisation, maybe I was deserving of this behaviour, because I was useless and insignificant.

I completed modules in computer skills, cooking, and communication awareness, then with the support of Cormac, Tracy and Kieva, I was enrolled for a first aid responder course. I got certified as a forklift operator and also received manual hand training. I got to a stage where I wasn't afraid of failure, I was embracing it. I knew whatever the outcome, all the NLN team had my back.

A job opportunity emerged, working as a warehouse associate. I found myself getting more confident with each passing day. I wanted to be seen to be making a difference.
I was then approached by a couple that were in the process of starting a new business. I was offered a production manager position in this new company.

The reaction I got back from my current employer was surreal. He told me he certainly didn't want to lose me and he created a position for me as Warehouse Manager. Many responsibilities but one that never in my darkest days I thought would be bestowed upon me.

Now I was in a conundrum. But where do I turn? Yes, back to NLN and I sat down with Cormac and, after many cups of coffee and sound advice, I decided to stay where I was and grow into this new position.
I'm trying to implement new systems, a new way of working to get the warehouse running by clockwork. I now have a better understanding of the term finding your voice and sheer resilience.

The one thing I would say to all NLN students, please give yourself time to heal and trust in the process. No matter what hardships you're enduring, these wonderful, gifted instructors will guide you in a new path and will create a new you. Learning is everything.”

~ Damian Smyth, NLN Dundalk

27/03/2026

Pathways After School – Exploring National Learning Network Options for School Leavers ~

We're delighted that Laois Education Support Centre will host an information webinar highlighting the wide range of National Learning Network training options available to school-leavers on 24th March at 7pm.

This event is ideal for students, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors, and anyone interested in exploring accessible, supportive post-school pathways.

Register at: https://www.laoisedcentre.ie/component/eventbooking/3640-pathways-after-school-exploring-national-learning-network-options-for-school-leavers-24-3-2026.html

The session will be delivered by Cian Doyle, Area Manager for NLN Tullamore and Portlaoise, and Anne Marie McDonnell, Head of Programme Development with NLN. They will guide attendees through the variety of training programmes, learning pathways, and progression routes that support students as they move toward further education, higher education, or employment.

26/03/2026

NLN Castlerea are holding an open day on Wednesday 15th April from 11.00am to 1.00pm. Join us to find our about the courses we offer. For further information please contact Breda on 087 6384879 or email [email protected]

06/03/2026