New training hub opens in Ballina

Fastrack Into Information Technology (FIT) held the grand opening of its new community training hub in Ballina on Friday, May 31st.

The hub, located on Teeling Street, was officially opened by Minister for State Dara Calleary. The facility has been successfully running since 2022 and has become a cornerstone for education and training in Ballina and the wider region, offering the LTI Introduction to Manufacturing course and English language classes funded by the Irish Red Cross. It is designed for people who may wish to pursue a role or aspire to work in manufacturing settings and is funded by the Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MLSETB).

The first group of students at FIT Ballina have seen the course through to completion and many have gone on to pursue qualifications and employment opportunities since completing the course.

Students past and present were in attendance to celebrate the official opening and the enhancement of local educational resources.

Officially opening the facility, Minister Calleary said he was delighted that the FIT hub is located in Ballina.

“Manufacturing is such an important part of our country and is core to our economy. We have it here in Ballina and Ballina is open for business,” he said.

Other notable guests included Danielle Barr, Director of Training and Employment Services at FIT; Tom Grady, Chief Executive of MLSETB; Peter Egan, Director of Further Education at MSLETB; Cllr John Caulfield, Chairman of MLSETB and local councillor Mark Duffy.

Cllr Caulfield said they were all proud of the progress made by the current students and the success of the first group.

“The success of the first year gave us the argument to keep going for a second year and it has been terrific,” he said.