SICAP Goal 2 – Lifelong Learning and Personal Development

Thinking about learning something new or building your skills?

Through SICAP Goal 2, Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) offers free and confidential support to help individuals build skills, confidence and discover future opportunities. This support is aimed at adults and young people who may be unemployed, unsure about their next steps, or who may be experiencing challenges such as low confidence, isolation, disability, low income, transport or childcare issues, or difficulty accessing services.

Our aim:

The team aims to make learning accessible and supportive. Through SICAP Goal 2, we help people to:

• Understand their options
• Build confidence at their own pace
• Learn new skills or become certified
• Move towards further learning, work, or self-employment when they feel ready

Where we work:

Support is provided to people across communities within DLDC’s catchment area and can be delivered in a way that works best for you, whether on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, through outreach clinics, or in local community spaces.

How we can help:

Getting started:

• Have a friendly first chat with one of our team members to help us understand your situation and goals
• We will identify what support or learning best suits your needs
• A simple Personal Action Plan with clear, realistic next steps will be developed

Building confidence and wellbeing:

If you are not ready for training or work yet, we can help you to:

• Build confidence, motivation, and communication skills
• Improve wellbeing and re-establish a routine
• Learn practical everyday skills like budgeting, cooking, and organising
• Take part in group activities that reduce isolation and help you feel more connected

Learning and training:

When you feel ready, we can help you access practical and recognised training opportunities, including:

• Short certified courses such as manual handling, first aid, HACCP and digital skills
• Training to develop work-related skills such as customer service, communication, and money management
• Step-by-step learning routes linked to real job opportunities, such as: Construction: Basic certificates and practical tasters. Healthcare and Caring: Entry-level training and required certificates. Hospitality and Customer Service: Skills for work in cafés, hotels, and the tourism sector
• DIY and home skills courses to build confidence or explore small income opportunities

Support to settle in and move forward:

The team also helps people who are new to Donegal and building a new life here by:

• Providing information on local services, learning options and available qualifications
• Supporting access to English classes and confidence-building activities
• Advising on how to use qualifications or experience gained elsewhere
• Connecting people with community groups, volunteering opportunities, and local learning

You do not need to know what your next step is, we’ll help you work it out, one step at a time.