### 🚗 **Why Join the Garage Programme?**

**1. Build Real-World Automotive Skills**

- Gain hands-on experience with real vehicles: learn basic mechanical skills, how engines work, and how to diagnose and fix minor faults.

- Discover how to safely maintain a car, from brakes and suspension to advanced car valeting and diagnostics.

- Develop a deep understanding of car modifications, their safety implications, and the legal limits on customisation.

**2. Understand the Bigger Picture: The Circular Economy**

- Learn how to extend the life of vehicles through proper care, maintenance, and detailing.

- Contribute to sustainability by reducing waste and promoting responsible use of mechanical resources.

- Discover how the reuse and repair of vehicles fits into a greener future and a more responsible economy.

**3. Confidence Through Competence**

- Experience the empowerment of working with your hands, solving problems, and seeing real results.

- Learn how to use tools, follow manufacturer guidelines, and apply logic to mechanical challenges.

- Walk away with a sense of pride, achievement, and belief in your ability to handle practical situations.

**4. More Than Mechanics – Personal Growth**

- Participate in workshops on emotional control, decision-making, and resilience.

- Understand how behaviour behind the wheel affects not just you, but your passengers, your peers, and your wider community.

- See driving not just as a skill but a responsibility—one that can change or save lives.

**5. Build Social Bonds & Teamwork**

- Work closely with a team of peers to complete tasks—every car project is a group effort.

- Make friends, learn communication, and build trust in a supportive and informal environment.

- Discover that responsibility and fun aren't opposites—they're teammates.

**6. Career Pathways & Future Opportunities**

- Hear from experienced mechanics and industry professionals about apprenticeships and career options.

- Use this experience as a stepping stone to automotive careers, technical training, or other hands-on professions.

- Get an early head-start before you even have your full licence.

**7. Safety, Not Silence**

- Unlike traditional lectures, this programme is fully interactive—you’re not a passive learner but an active participant.

- Understand how road risks, peer pressure, and poor decisions can be tackled through awareness and skills.

- Discover your own potential to be a *leader* in safety, not just a follower on the road.

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Garage Programme

A Hands-On Introduction to Motoring & Responsibility

Garage Programme

Whether you're new to Ireland or planning your move soon, this dynamic, hands-on training is designed to help you integrate with ease, confidence, and clarity. From navigating public services to understanding Irish culture, this course gives you all the tools to build a successful, fulfilling life in Ireland.

### 📘 **Course Highlights – 4 Practical Modules**

### 🏡 **1. LIFE – Living in Ireland Made Simple**

Master the essentials of everyday life:

- Public services, transportation, and local living

- Housing, healthcare, banking, legal systems

- Immigration, rights, and entitlements

### 🎓 **2. STUDY – Education at Every Stage**

Navigate the Irish education system:

- Schools, childcare, and university pathways

- Adult education and language learning

- Funding, course applications & skill development

### 💼 **3. LABOUR MARKET ACCESS – Step Into the Irish Job Market**

Prepare for success in your career:

- How to job hunt, write CVs, and ace interviews

- Your rights as a worker and how to start a business

- Taxes, welfare supports, and building resilience

### 🤝 **4. COMMUNITY – Connect, Belong, Thrive**

Build a vibrant life through community engagement:

- Volunteering, local events, cultural norms

- Finding your tribe while embracing Irish society

- Practical tips for staying informed and involved

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Practical Irish Living and Cultural Integration Training Programme

🎓 Led by expert trainer Dr. Diletta Panero, a cultural integration specialist with 15+ years’ experience in language education and community support

Practical Irish Living and Cultural Integration Training Programme

**Course Content:**

- Introduction to First Aid
- Scene safe
- Calling the emergency services
- CPR/AED
- Recovery position
- Choking
- Common Medical Emergencies (asthma, diabetes, Epilepsy, etc)
- Bleeding
- Fractures
- Head injures
- Minor burns

**Certification:**
On successfully completing the course participants will receive a Survive It Training Emergency First Aid Certificate valid for 2 years

Basic First Aid

Pavlo Pavlo Nikolaichiuk

thank you for organising.  it was a very good training session.  

Jacqueline McGlinchey

Basic first aid course was very interesting and covered alot of information 

Joseph McElhinney

Very helpful and informative.  Meave has been brilliant.

Aileen Queenan

It was very good course and I hope I can do more of them in the future 

Samanta Douglas

Learnt alot about first aid
Always be willing to help

Ayebatari Ahiamadu

Kwanele Mkwebu

Very good and a professional teacher. I enjoyed and found this course helpful 
Thank you.

Fikile Zile Magagula

I wish we had more time to learn more, otherwise it was a very good course.

This one day First Aid course is ideal for anyone who is likely to have to respond to emergency situations at home, within the community or in the workplace

Question 1

DLDC Staff Member / Referred By 

Question 2

What would you like to achieve in attending this workshop?

The Communication Skills workshop aims to equip long-term unemployed individuals with essential communication tools to improve their employability, enhance interpersonal interactions, and build confidence in various professional and social settings.

Communication Skills - Step In Step Up!

Pamela Black

Mirsada Kerkoti

Barbara Laszcziw

Great skills for improving everyday interactions  and outcomes.  I would recommend everyone attend this type of course to improve their communication experience. 

Sean Mac Fhlannchadha

Excellent course. Both the content and delivery.

Jacqueline  Dooley 

I thoroughly enjoyed the communication skills course, Neil Gallagher is EXCELLENT at teaching, I have learned so much, I learned LIFE lessons to use in my everyday life, and I also gained confidence from this while meeting some really lovely people but I can't express how good of a teacher Neil was. I look forward to doing more courses with DLDC in the near future.
Warm regards
Jacky Dooley.

The Communication Skills workshop aims to equip long-term unemployed individuals with essential communication tools to improve their employability, enhance i...

DLDC Staff Member / Referred by?

**The following items are covered in our work at height course**

- Introduction & housekeeping
- Aims & objectives
- Health & safety
- Legal overview
- Work at height legislation & regulations
- Duties under the work at height regulations
- Requirements for Organisation, Planning and Competence
- The work at height hierarchy
- Effects and consequences of work at height accidents
- Hierarchy of protection, controls & hazard management - work at height
- Work at height risk assessments
- Bad practice
- Use of ladders, steps and low-level access

**Practical on fitting a harness correctly**

- Pre-use harness inspection
- Fitting of a fall arrest harness
- Use of fall arrest & work restraint lanyards
- Logging & maintenance of equipment

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Working at Heights Training

**The following items are covered in our work at height course**

- Introduction & housekeeping
- Aims & objectives
- Health & safety
- Legal overview
- Work...

Working at Heights Training

Manual Handling is the transporting or supporting of a load that involves lifting, putting down, pushing pulling, carrying or moving. Many people hurt their back, arms, hands or feet lifting everyday loads, not just lifting heavy objects.

This course is suitable for individuals required to lift objects as part of their work.

This is a ½ Day Course.

Manual Handling Stranorlar 

Paul Duffy

The instructor (Garret) was great. He explained and demonstrated everything clearly and I understood the importance of good manual handling.

Judith Smith

I had an excellent experience, he knew exactly what he was talking about, but also kept an entertaining way of learning. Kindest Regards to all involved.

Manual Handling is the transporting or supporting of a load that involves lifting, putting down, pushing pulling, carrying or moving. Many people hurt their ...

Manual Handling 

### **Why Learn to Sew?**

Sewing is far more than a practical skill—it's an empowering, creative, and sustainable craft that offers lifelong value.

### **Benefits of Learning to Sew**

#### ✂️ **Creative Expression**

Sewing opens the door to designing and making one-of-a-kind items. From clothing to homeware, students experience the joy of transforming simple materials into something beautiful and personal.

#### ♻️ **Supports the Circular Economy**

By learning how to sew, repair, and upcycle fabrics, students contribute to reducing textile waste and promote mindful consumption. This is a key part of living more sustainably and moving away from the throwaway culture of fast fashion.

#### 💪 **Builds Confidence and Independence**

There is immense satisfaction in learning a new skill with your own two hands. Watching progress week by week fosters self-confidence and pride in each completed project.

#### 👥 **Encourages Social Connection**

Classes are a relaxed and welcoming space where students can meet new people, share ideas, and build friendships. Learning alongside others helps create a strong sense of community and support.

#### 🧠 **Supports Mental Wellbeing**

Sewing is meditative and rewarding, helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote mindfulness. It’s an excellent way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with tactile, hands-on work.

#### 👗 **Customisation & Practical Use**

From mending old clothes to making gifts and home décor, sewing is a highly practical skill. Students will leave class with items they’ve made themselves—and the knowledge to keep creating long after the course ends.

### **What’s Included**

- Use of sewing machines

- All fabrics, threads, tools, and accessories provided

- Professionally designed patterns to keep and reuse

- One completed project per session

### **Why Learn to Sew?**

Sewing is far more than a practical skill—it's an empowering, creative, and sustainable craft that offers lifelong value.

### **B...

Beginner Sewing Course

An introduction into the basics of Customer Service. This will equip the participants with the skills and knowledge to engage with customers in a number of settings. 


Customer Service 1 Day - Step In Step Up! 

Johnathan  Boyle

Learned alot from the customer service course. It was a great day and Neil was very easy going. He explained everything well. Couldn't fault anything. 

Maryna Novikova

clear and understandable explanation, concisely

Andrii Kotkovets

I recently attended the Customer Service course organized by Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), and I was thoroughly impressed! 

Everything was well-organized, and the training materials were both useful and engaging. 

I’d like to thank the DLDC team for their professionalism, friendly atmosphere, and dedication to helping each participant build their skills. 

I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their knowledge and confidence in customer service. 

Thank you for a fantastic experience!

Elena  Veremeienko

I really liked the course. Everything is very informative and interesting. I will recommend it to my friends.

Nataliia Nahovitsyna

Thank you for the course, I think it will be very useful in working with clients.

Olena  Shanhurova

Thank you for meaningful seminar. Gave an overall understanding of customer service sphere and main features that a person should possess. Lector had a good sense of humour and information was well structured. 
Definitely recommend it! 

Yaroslav  Yefremenko

I had great experience on my class ,our teacher was so accommodating i understood his explanation and learnt a lot about Customer service. It was great 

The program was so beneficial and I look forward to other modules.

An introduction into the basics of Customer Service. This will equip the participants with the skills and knowledge to engage with customers in a number of s...

STEPS to Excellence and Personal Success tackles the causes of these feelings to increase your motivation & set achievable goals. 

During the course, you will...
- Take a fresh look at your life
- Challenge your comfort zones
- Tackle negative thinking
- Learn the tools to make positive change happen

The STEPS® programme is designed to help you to unlock your potential by encouraging you to take a fresh look at your life. It helps you to see how much you are truly capable of achieving and offers tools to help you make it happen. It enables you to realise that life is full of opportunities and shows you how you can pursue these opportunities with confidence.

Regarding employability, it enables you to take greater control of your work situation, to become solution focused. It also provides a common language of vision for achievement, which extends the range of possibilities for improving the quality of life, both within the workplace and beyond.

STEPS to Excellence and Personal Success tackles the causes of these feelings to increase your motivation & set achievable goals. During the course, you will

Take a fresh look at your life
Challenge your comfort zones
Tackle negative thinking
Learn the tools to make positive change happen

**“I cannot remember the last time I felt this positive.**

**“It has been a joy to wake up every morning this week and actually look forward to the day instead of dreading it.”**

**“I know now that I have been my own worst enemy, I can see a future for myself at last and if that future is going to be bright then that is down to me.”**

STEPS  - Steps To Excellence for Personal Success

Clare Doherty

This was a thought provoking course, with positive outcomes. Delivered by an excellent trainer, who made the space safe to share ideas. The course material and hand outs were of a high standard. 

Jessica Meehan

Really enjoyed the Steps course, it was very insightful and have really learned alot from it about myself and tips for the future 

Inna Mustafa

Iryna Yashchuk

Steven Mongan

Just what I needed when I needed it the most 

Daria Striukova

An excellent lecturer who can explain the material in an accessible and interesting way. 

Olena Dmytriiev

I would like to express my deep gratitude for this course on personal growth, it was very valuable. It helped me realize how important our thinking is in achieving our true potential. And we need to change the way we see things - to change the way we think. Our challenge is to improve our self-image constantly, so that we can grow into it.

Sofiane  Beldjouheur 

I would like to thank the entire DLDC team for the support they gave me and a special thank you to Louise Paul Donnal Allison Mary Higins and Siobhan deep respect sofiane beldjouheur 

Oksana 		 Krysynska

Course was brilliant,I would recommend it to everyone !

Vitalii Hlavchev

 This course opens your eyes to something that people often don’t notice. I recommend everyone to take it.

Do you feel stuck?  Do you wish you had more confidence? Do you need to make a change, but you’re not sure how?

Question 3

Have you any dietary requirements?

**Content covered is as follows:**

- The Reasons for Promoting Safety
- Health and Safety at Work Legislation
- Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedure
- Accident Prevention
- Health and Hygiene
- Manual Handling
- Working at Heights
- Working with Electricity, Underground and Overhead Services
- Use of Hand Held Equipment and Tools
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Safe Use of Vehicles
- Noise and Vibrations
- Excavations and Confined Spaces


**Safe Pass is a 1 Day course.**

On completion of this programme, all participants will receive SafePass registration card that will indicate that the holder has attended a formal course in health and safety awareness. Card expires every 4 years.

SafePass

Andrii  Kotkovets

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to complete the SafePass course.

This experience has been not only educational but also inspiring. I have gained valuable knowledge and skills in workplace safety.

I would also like to extend my appreciation for the organization and delivery of the course. 

The instructor was highly qualified and caring, which contributed to effective learning.

Additionally, I have received inquiries from volunteers interested in the Safe ass course and requesting a registration link.

I was deeply impressed by the quality of the training and would like to recommend this course to other interested individuals.

I would be grateful if you could provide me with a registration link for this course so that I can share it with the volunteers.

With respect,
Andrii

Menad Yahiaoui 

First I would like to thank you for inviting me to fruitfully safe pass course, I really appreciate it. I highly recommend it. Thank you so much.

BILAL  Abd EL JAIIL

The staff is friendly and likes to help everyone

Valerii Hordiienko

I didn't receive it. When I arrived in Litterkenny (I had to take a taxi from Dunfanaghy to make it on time), it turned out that the courses were in English. My English is weak. I was told that a group of Ukrainians would be recruited and courses would be conducted in Ukrainian. They promised to let me know when the class would start. So no one told me.

The Safe Pass is a Health and Safety Awareness Training Programme is to ensure that, all workers in the construction industry will have a basic knowledge of ...

8.30am start - Fork Lifting Donaghey Safety Training 

Newtowncunningham Co. Donegal 

Hi Vis required 

Safety Boots 

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Forklifting Course

Forklifting Course

3 hour session with JImmy - follow on session for clients who attended DIY workshop.  

Covering all basic plumbing skills for your home - DLDC Training Room Letterkenny 

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Basic Plumbing Skills - for your home 

3 hour session with JImmy - follow on session for clients who attended DIY workshop.  

Covering all basic plumbing skills for your home - DLDC Training Room...

Basic Plumbing Skills - for your home 

4 hour workshop with Jimmy Brennan from Learn to DIY - this will help individuals learn life skills, basic works around the home.  overview of tools required and what jobs to put off and call an expert.  

Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) - Basic DIY - Safety in your Own Home - Know why to call a professional

4 hour workshop with Jimmy Brennan from Learn to DIY - this will help individuals learn life skills, basic works around the home.  overview of tools required...

Basic DIY - Safety in your Own Home - Know why to call a professional

Dunfanaghy - Survive IT Training

Letterkenny - Donegal Local Development - Board Room

Donegal Town - The Central Hotel

Safetec Letterkenny

The Base

Stranorlar - Finn Valley Family Resource Centre

DLDC

Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre 

Pobal Eascarrach 

Shannon House

•	Ionad Teampall Cróine

Aranmore

Bundoran Community Centre (beside Library)

St Shanaghan House

Blustack Foundation

GTeic

The Bluestack Foundation

DLDC Letterkenny Boardroom

The Glenties Day Centre

Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny 

Workhouse, Dunfanaghy

MFD Shorefront Marque

Tirlough Resource Centre

The Vestry

Donegal Presbyterian Hall 

Vestry

Station House Hotel

Ozanam Community Centre

Bundoran Community Centre

Bluestack Foundation

Donegal Education Support Centre

White House CPI Centre

Dolmen Centre

Raphoe Family Resource Centre Clg.

The Workhouse Dunfanaghy

Safetech 

Lifford Venue To Be Confirmed

CLONLEIGH SOCIAL CENTRE

Donegal Presbyterian Hall

Prysbyterian Hall

Bundoran Retail Park 

O'Donnell Park 

Construction Training Location Gweedore 

Letterkenny Community Centre 

Rosses Community School Dungloe / Pobalscoil na Rosann

Mulroy Woods

ATU Carpark 

Cara House Family Resource Centre

Donaghey Safety Training 

Donegal Local Development Company provides support to individuals who are interested in returning to learning. We provide one-to-one advice and support in relation to accessing education and lifelong learning opportunities. This free and confidential service is available in a number of locations including Letterkenny, Donegal Town and Killybegs or on an outreach basis at a location convenient for you.

We work with individuals to help them to identify and take the steps to improve their quality of life and wellbeing and to access lifelong learning opportunities.

We aim to:

Provide guidance and advice on learning supports and educational opportunities.
Assist you to identify your skills, interests and goals.
Provide information on funding opportunities and entitlements.
Put mechanisms in place to facilitate and respond to your individual needs.
Develop a Personal Action Plan tailored to fit your needs.
Signpost and refer you to a host of specialist agencies
Support you to build your confidence, access tailored Lifelong Learning programmes as well as accessing other support services

Wellbeing Taster Course

A short 10 minute session to give you a feel for the supports available through DLDC

Garage Programme

🚗 Why Join the Garage Programme?

Age Requirement