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I UNDERSTAND
At the start of 2019, Leia was beginning her second rotation as part of the WALKways Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) Programme. Leia’s second rotation was based in the National Children’s Hospital playroom, where she took on the role of assistant to the play therapist. Leia quickly settled into her duties, which included room set up and sanitation and providing play to sick children in the hospital. As the weeks went on, Leia found her passion for working with children and often received compliments from her manager in the playroom. Leia particularly flourished when playing music on her traditional Irish instruments for young children with intellectual disabilities.
Although most participants complete three different work orientations during the Programme, Leia, with the support of her team, decided to complete her third and final rotation in the playroom. Working in the playroom and in such a meaningful role, motivated Leia to begin the journey towards a career she was passionate about and led to many successes throughout the year.
Leia successfully graduated from the WALKways TUH programme and was awarded her graduation certificate by then Minister for Health Simon Harris.
Leia interviewed for a position on Inchicore College of Further Education’s Level 4 Childcare Studies course and was successful in her application! Leia recalls being nervous starting college in September, but quickly made friends with her classmates and adjusted to college life. WALK staff provide supports to Leia when required for assignments and in preparing her for her examinations. And to top it off such a steep learning curve and career-formative year – Leia was offered a 6 month paid contract in the playroom where she completed her rotations as part of the WALKways programme! This paid employment and work experience coupled with her educational journey are very solid foundations as she builds a career working with children.
Mark was one of the first participants on the WALKways Tallaght University Hospital program. He absolutely loved being on the program and kindly agreed to tell us about his time in Tallaght University Hospital.
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Samuel describes himself as, ‘a visual learner’. He is someone who does not allow groups to influence him. He is an independent thinker and doer. He is a talented artist and he loves superheroes.
His dream job is to make pizza! So, where is Samuel on this journey? Read on and be inspired.
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Read Adam's story in his own words about his job working in an outdoor sports and adventure store.
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An unpaid work placement for a few hours a week can be a great way to build experience and sometimes, when the circumstances are right, it might just open the door to more. That door of opportunity opened to 2nd
year Real Life Training student Eamonn whose hard work during a car valeting work experience with Toyota Long Mile earned him a 12 hour a week permanent contract with them.
“I always wanted to be a chef and now I cook chicken for customers”. The words of 3rd year Real Life Training student Samuel whose employment dream has been made possible by his employer Nandos on St. Andrew’s Street, D1.
“My name is Sam and I am a student at RLT (Real Life Training) in WALK. I work in Costa Coffee, Drimnagh and El Gringo in Stephens Green Shopping Centre. Since I began work in Costa coffee in Drimnagh 2 years ago, it has been one of my biggest goals to become a barista.
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