About this location
While established in 1986 by local committee, the centre was officially opened by Minister for Labour Bertie Ahern TD in 1988 with a 30 place capacity for the community. Shortly after, it became one for the first offering NCVA training & certification in the country. As time passed, the centre expanded in capacity and offerings, intertwined itself with the latest relevant certification in Rockschool, FETAC, later QQI and VTCT. Today the centre has 6 proactive courses in Pre Apprenticeship, Catering, IT & Office Skills, Sport & Fitness, Hairdressing and the ground breaking Sound Engineering & Music Performance course with a capacity of 60 places.
The “learner first” ethos enables the centre to offer an array of experiences and self-development options to participants with numerous Erasmus and residential experiences over the years. Coupled with training and certification offered, this cumulated in multitude of awards for the centre, including the Civic Endeavour award, All-Ireland Pride of Place award and the National Millennium award , all of which have secured the centre’s reputation within society as a positive, productive and proactive training organisation.
Also steeped in history is the building which Mullingar Community Training Centre resides. Over 200 years’ old, the building has been part of many historical mini-series, having hosted numerous famous characters including James Joyce and Padraic Pearse, and the location for the first All-Ireland Fleabh Ceoil. Offered by Bishop Michael Smith at the time, refurbishment works commenced in conjunction with Westmeath County Council and Anco. Today the centre sits as a modern proud contributor to Further Education & Training in Westmeath.
