THERE was a huge sense of pride and achievement in the Tralee Community Training Centre in Monavalley on Wednesday as students, mentors and family members gathered together to celebrate the end of year awards ceremony.

It had no doubt been a challenging and hard working year for all involved, but it was all worth it as each student proudly accepted their certificates from General Manager of the centre Mark Charlton and Kerry South Fine Gael Deputy Brendan Griffin.

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“It [the centre] is for early school leavers, for 16-21 year olds. We’ve got hairdressing courses where we’re doing a British qualification called VTCT, which is a vocational qualification which fits into the national framework at FETAC Level 4, which is Leaving Certificate level,” said Mark Charlton, speaking to TraleeToday.ie on Wednesday.

“We’ve got construction skill courses and a catering course which are FETAC Level 3, a Junior Cert equivalent. Then we’ve got a technology course which is FETAC Level 4, Leaving Certificate equivalent, and we’ve got a number of the guys that completed that course, a couple of them have gone on to do apprenticeships and PLCs,” he continued.

“Some kids have come in here with nothing, and it’s not always an easy journey but there are inspirations out there to see,” he said.

There was also a few inspiring and simple words from Brendan Griffin TD after he helped give out the awards.

“I just want to say to you, what you are doing here is a hugely courageous thing and it’s something that’s hugely positive and something that you all deserve to be very proud of,” said Deputy Griffin.

“The overwhelming sense that I can get from the room today is one of pride – from yourselves, your family and the mentors here in the centre. You can all be proud of yourselves, you’ve taken a major step in getting your rewards here and while it’s the beginning of one step, it’s the start of a whole new journey,” he continued.

“Finish strong. It doesn’t matter how things start, if things don’t go well for you or if you fall off the horse, you get back on it and it’s how you finish that matters,” he concluded.

For more information on the courses running at the centre please click here.

Scroll down for photos from the ceremony…