Latest news with #qualifications
BBC News
21-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Fermanagh: Adults with learning disabilities graduate with qualifications
For many adults with a learning disability gaining a recognised qualification may seem out of reach, but that has not been the case for one group in County week 22 service users from Killadeas Day Centre were honoured for their achievements in animal care and gardening, hospitality and performing arts.A year of practical hands-on work, combined with written coursework means they will be receiving Level 1 qualifications from the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) in gathered this week to celebrate their accomplishments with a graduation ceremony at Fermanagh Fun Farm in Lisbellaw – a social enterprise which helped make it possible. 'It's their turn' "They have achieved this qualification through hard work, through dedication," said Patricia Griffith from Killadeas Day Centre."They've been very committed to doing it. They've had the support of Alan and the team here at the farm and of daycare staff, but they've done it themselves."She said there was a "real sense of achievement in the air" at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday and everyone was very excited, especially as it took place during Learning Disability Week."If you consider that in the majority of their lifetime they will never achieve an accredited qualification or haven't done," she told BBC News NI."They've seen their brothers and sisters going off to college and university. They have attended graduations. And now it's their turn." Every week for the past year service users from the centre have been spending time at the help look after the animals, others have been developing their gardening skills, while a weekly community coffee morning has helped others gain experience in Christmas, they also wrote and performed their own nativity play with the rescue animals they care for co-starring. 'It's a long time coming' According to her mum, a year ago Clodagh was "afraid of everything", but now she is graduating with an Early Level Occupational Study award in performing Rooney, who is from Enniskillen, said the course has given the 46-year-old much more confidence, especially around animals. "She's far more outgoing. She didn't really like animals before and now she's with all the animals. "I believe there's a massive rooster in one of the sheds and she's in there on her own and potters about. "Unless I had seen it, I would hardly believe it. So this has been good for her."Margaret said Clodagh couldn't sleep the night before because she was so excited thinking about her graduation and what she would wear for the ceremony. "I said, you will have a lovely cap on you and you're going to have a lovely gown. 'That is beautiful, mummy. That is beautiful'".Margaret said the day was also very emotional for her."I had tears, because I was just saying, they have as much right to have their little graduation, to make them feel important, make them have their day."It's been a long time coming, and hopefully there'll be many more." A social enterprise is a business that aims to combine making profit with creating positive social or environmental impact for a local many social enterprises offer work placements to those with a disability, the unique aspect of the scheme in Lisbellaw is that those taking part finish with a Level 1 or 2 Occupational Studies qualification from CCEA, which is the equivalent of a reason they are able to do that is because the owner of Fermanagh Fun Farm, Alan Potters, is a former teacher and is able to grade their his grandparents and uncle passed away, his family farm was lying unused and he was inspired to transform it into a fun farm after a school trip to over 100 animals – most of which have been rescued – the project has grown in recent years and in June 2024 he sat down to plan how he could combine his former job with his current one. Not a gesture or a token "We never even imagined how successful it would be and to be standing here today with these young people getting into qualifications, it's just absolutely phenomenal."They are recognised qualifications, so it's not just a wee gesture or a token. It's something that can help them in the future," he said. "These are all life skills that they have now got and will be able to take with them."Mr Potters wants to continue the partnership and expand it in future, but said costs are a major issue because demand for funding is high."When it started off here, we had just two people in animal care, and now there's about 20 service users on site doing different projects. We want that to continue." Ms Griffith told BBC News NI the programme has improved the quality of life for the adults who have been involved."Their physical, their mental well-being, their confidence - they're walking taller."They're much, much more confident in everything they do, and they're proud of their achievements. That they should be. And as we are of them."
News.com.au
15-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Five money matters to master before you're 30 to become richer
In your teens and 20s, you probably don't have much in the way of money and investments. Believe it or not, this works to your advantage. Fewer distractions and complexities leave more time and energy to focus on getting the basics right. While there are many steps on the path to financial wellbeing, five in particular will pave the way to your desired destination. Master these money matters before you hit the big 3-0 and you'll be 'laughing all the way to the bank'. 1. Make good money habits Help your future self by putting good money habits into place now: • Avoiding procrastination: Waiting to pay bills, lodge taxes, and chase payrises usually loses you money. • Investing ASAP: The earlier you start, the more time investments have to grow. • Upskilling: Grow your income faster with extra training and qualifications. • Being organised: Avoid late fees and interest and protect your credit rating. • Good record keeping: You can't claim tax deductions, employment and other reimbursements without proof. The longer these habits are in place, the more second nature they will become. 2. Get your foundations right There are five financial foundations needed to wealth and independence: • Emergency fund: Cash you can quickly and easily access in a crisis – e.g. a natural disaster, redundancy, relationship breakdown. • Savings and investment plan: Like a budget but more comprehensive, giving visibility over your earnings, investments, spending, and financial goals. • Insurances: Aside from under 25 drivers, personal insurances (life, income protection, trauma cover) are generally better value with no exclusions when you're young – savings you can potentially lock-in for the long term. • Superannuation: Before 30, you can afford to chase higher returns with higher risk investments because you have more time to recover any losses. You may also be eligible for government co-contributions. Be diligent if consolidating multiple super funds – you may actually be worse off by merging into a higher-fee fund or losing insurances within your super. • Estate planning: Have an up-to-date will outlining your wishes. Nominate beneficiaries within your super. Consider Power of Attorney and Guardianship in case injury or illness leaves you unable to make medical or financial decisions. Remember: everything needs a firm base to stay strong – a skyscraper, a career, a movie plot … and your finances. 3. Keep spending in check Be diligent about your spending – both where it goes and how you do it: • Where possible, use cash instead of credit – it's easier to track and doesn't accrue interest or fees. • Keep credit card limits low. • Avoid Buy Now, Pay Later schemes and payment plans, which tempt you to overspend and have hefty penalties for missed repayments. • Monitor direct debits – cancel things you don't use, and don't let them auto-renew without checking you're getting the best value. Above all, live within your means. Debts can quickly snowball. 4. Be creative about buying property While housing affordability is woeful, don't give up without exploring all possibilities. Owning property makes a huge difference to your financial future and quality of life in retirement. You just may need to think creatively to make it happen, such as: • Pooling funds: Buy jointly with parents, siblings, cousins, friends. This could be a shared home or joint investment. • 'Rentvesting': Buying in a cheaper (perhaps regional) market and renting where you want to live. • Big sacrifices: Such as forgoing engagement rings and big weddings to boost savings. • Government assistance: State incentives, first home super saver scheme and/or the promised 5 per cent deposit initiative. • Help from the 'Bank of Mum and Dad': As a gift, loan, co-ownership arrangement or loan guarantee. Put everything in writing, especially when you are borrowing or buying with someone else – even family. 5. Seek (the right) advice TikToks and Insta reels are not a reliable source of information about money. Neither are your well-meaning but clueless friends and family. Don't get blinded by love either. Emotions can override logic, leading to STDs (sexually transmitted debts). A professional accountant and financial adviser use their understanding of relevant legal, tax, and investment frameworks to develop a plan specifically tailored to your unique values and circumstances. You don't know what you don't know in the complex world of finance. So don't gamble your hard-earned money on the advice of someone who isn't really knowledgeable enough to give it! Helen Baker is a licensed Australian financial adviser and author of the new book, Money For Life: How to build financial security from firm foundations (Major Street Publishing $32.99). Helen is among the 1 per cent of financial planners who hold a master's degree in the field. Proceeds from book sales are donated to charities supporting disadvantaged women and children. Find out more at
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Pato O'Ward looking to change his Indianapolis 500 thirst for victory by finding a cow to milk
The former winners of the Indianapolis 500, top row, left to right, Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, and Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, bottom bottom row, Will Power, of Australia, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, and Takuma Sato, of Japan, pose for a photo on the start/finish line before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Colton Herta prepares climbs out of his car during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The car driven by Colton Herta slides along the track after becoming airborne after hitting the wall in the first turn during a qualification attempt for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirk DeBrunner) Ryan Hunter-Reay, left, and Alexander Rossi talk as they wait for their turn during qualification for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, waves to fans before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, waves to fans before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The former winners of the Indianapolis 500, top row, left to right, Alexander Rossi, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, and Marcus Ericsson, of Sweden, bottom bottom row, Will Power, of Australia, Josef Newgarden, Scott Dixon, of New Zealand, and Takuma Sato, of Japan, pose for a photo on the start/finish line before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Colton Herta prepares climbs out of his car during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) The car driven by Colton Herta slides along the track after becoming airborne after hitting the wall in the first turn during a qualification attempt for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirk DeBrunner) Ryan Hunter-Reay, left, and Alexander Rossi talk as they wait for their turn during qualification for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Pato O'Ward, of Mexico, waves to fans before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward understands winners drink milk at the Indianapolis 500. He just doesn't want a small oversight to cause him any more race day consternation. So during Thursday's media day, O'Ward said he plans to participate in a superstition that he hopes will end the tough spills he's endured in his first five Indy 500 starts. Advertisement Pole winner Robert Shwartzman recounted how after last weekend's qualifying, he took part in the rookie tradition of milking a cow — and the role it's believed to play in who quenches their thirst in victory lane. 'The woman, she came to me and said, 'The people who didn't milk the cow, they never won the Indy 500,' and they were like (did not finish). It's bad luck,' Shwartzman said. 'Whoever milks the cow. Alexander Rossi did it. He won the 500. You have to milk the cow.' Shwartzman described his personal experience with a 'very calm, cute' cow named Indy. O'Ward never got his chance to squeeze an udder because his rookie start came in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the race was run in August with no fans and the milking tradition was put on hold. Advertisement Since then, he's finished sixth, fourth, second, 24th and second. Two-time race winner Takuma Sato claimed he never took part in the tradition, but that didn't seem to impress O'Ward, who eventually asked: 'Are they always ready to just...?" Finally, after Shwartzman suggested O'Ward wait until next year to make it right, O'Ward said he wasn't content to have yet another race day spoiled. He wanted to milk a cow immediately. The Indiana Dairy Association was quick to offer help. 'We know some farmers who know some cows who can make that happen,' the group posted on X. Playing hooky Advertisement Ryan Hunter-Reay brought a special guest to the dais Thursday — his oldest son, Ryden. The soon-to-be-sixth-grader wore a baseball cap, shorts and, of course, No. 23 socks to honor his dad, the 2014 Indy 500 winner. Spending race week in Indianapolis was only part of the treat for Ryden Hunter-Reay. He also got to miss his last week of school. 'I think it's better (here),' he said when asked about his absence from class. And who does he think will win Sunday's race? 'My dad,' he said. Feeling better Colton Herta canceled his local Community Day appearance Wednesday because he was under the weather. By Thursday, he was feeling well enough to show up for his media day interview. Advertisement While Herta seems to be on the mend or Sunday's race, he would feel much better with a higher starting spot. He qualified 29th Saturday, just 4 1/2 hours after crashing on his first qualifying attempt. He'll start 27th because of the penalties assessed to two Team Penske cars. At least he's comfortable in the backup car his team scrambled to set up Saturday. 'It's just like being in the other car, they patched everything pretty perfectly, which for me has never happened before, so it was a surprise,' Herta said. 'It filled me with a lot of confidence, made it easier to get back to work.' Drive for five Advertisement Helio Castroneves is the fourth and most recent member of Indy's four-time winners club. His quest to become the race's first five-time champion has been overshadowed by Kyle Larson's second attempt at running the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, and by the Team Penske scandal. The longtime Penske driver who now drives for Meyer Shank Racing will start 22nd after moving up two spots on the starting grid because of the penalties assessed to his two ex-teammates. It's the third-lowest starting position of his 25 career Indy starts after he qualified 28th in 2020 and 27th in 2022. The 50-year-old Brazilian also is completing his own double this season by competing in the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 in the same year. 'This place has been good to me, this place is amazing and I'm trying to get something special, to rewrite history,' Castroneves said. 'So we're going to have hard work to do, but I feel like we're going to be up front very soon.' ___ AP auto racing:
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Team Penske's Josef Newgarden And Will Power Penalized At Indy 500
Team Penske Chevrolet reacts after his car failed a tech inspect before the fast 12 during the ... More second day of qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS – In a shocking development announced at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on May 19, IndyCar officials have assessed additional penalties that will send two-time and back-to-back winner Josef Newgarden and 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power to the back of the 33-car grid. IndyCar issued a release at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. 'IndyCar's focus was ensuring that the series had all the facts related to the discovery of the modified attenuators on the Team Penske entries of Nos. 2 and 12 to verify they were in violation of INDYCAR Rule 14.7.8.16. After the series confirmed the technical infraction, by rule, the violating cars were placed in the last positions of the qualifying session for which they qualified. 'Upon further review last night and early this morning, IndyCar will be moving cars No. 2 and 12 to the 32nd and 33rd starting positions for this year's Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. They will start in order based upon their qualifying times from Saturday.' IndyCar President Doug Boles spoke of the additional penalties and why it was important to the event. 'The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount, and this violation of the INDYCAR rule against modification to this part and using it 'as supplied' is clear,' Boles said. 'The penalty should be more than simply starting where the cars might have qualified anyway, if given the opportunity. The cars belong in the field as two of the fastest 33; however, starting on the tail of the field is the appropriate penalty in this instance.' Scott McLaughlin's car No. 3 did not attempt to qualify Sunday in the Top 12 because of an accident in the earlier afternoon's practice. Upon review of the car, and INDYCAR impounding the No. 3 attenuator, INDYCAR found that the car was in fact using a legal and unmodified attenuator. Therefore, car No. 3 will start in the 10th spot – the final spot of those who had qualified to participate in the Top 12. Additionally, INDYCAR is suspending the team strategists for the Nos. 2 and 12 for the remainder of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, both cars will forfeit Indianapolis 500 qualification points, and each entry has been fined $100,000. Car Nos. 2 and 12 also will forfeit their pit positions and will select their pit boxes after the remainder of the field has an opportunity to adjust accordingly. 'The positive momentum around the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 has been on a steep crescendo over the last several months, and we want it to be clear that our intent is to maintain that momentum and discourage teams from putting INDYCAR in positions where it calls into the integrity of our officiating and the levelness of the playing field,' Boles said. 'As we look to the remainder of the week and the race this weekend, we will do everything we can to make it clear that this is not only the best racing on the planet but racing where the best win under completely fair conditions.'
The Herald
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
SA's Olympic medal 4x100m team 'needs to step it up' at World Relays
The men's 4x100m and 4x400m teams as well as the women's 4x400m and the mixed 4x400m teams will be trying to win qualification for the world championships in Tokyo in September. It's all or nothing for the women's and mixed outfits, but the two men's teams will have breathing room if they fail. The top 14 teams will secure berths in Japan, with the next two fastest making up the 16 teams that will do battle at the world championships. The men's 4x100m team are the third-fastest team in the qualifying window so far, and should the two quickest, the US and Canada, be part of the 14, South Africa will be the fastest side in contention for two places. The men's 4x400m team is fifth-fastest, behind the US, Botswana, Britain and Belgium. They would need at least three of those teams to finish in the top 14 in China to have a chance of making it to Japan. Zenéy Geldenhuys, captain of the women's relay teams, is confident the women can make the final and challenge for silverware after they broke the national 4x400m record at Pilditch stadium in Pretoria last month, clocking 3 min 28.30 sec. 'I think when we are in a very competitive environment we will automatically go faster. [The record performance] was our first race for the year and we broke the South African record. We didn't even think we were going to do that.
