The *I Can Work!* Programme
The *I Can Work!* Programme is a key pillar of GTEL’s inclusive training model, providing people with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment with real-world work practice, supported learning, and pathways to confidence and independence.
Participants gain hands-on experience across GTEL’s two hubs — the charity shop on Wickham Street and the storeroom and training centre at Tait Business Centre.
Every task, from merchandising to stock control, is an opportunity to build skills, routine, and self-belief. *
*Key Elements**
- – Work Experience: Retail, stock handling, recycling, and digital sales.
- – Skills Development: Customer service, organisation, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- – Personal Growth: Confidence, communication, and teamwork.
- – Progression Pathways: Routes to QQI Level 3 training or supported employment.
“Every skill learned here changes what someone believes they can do.”
**Partnerships & Support**
Delivered in collaboration with LCETB, CE, EmployAbility, NLN, and Avista.
Learn by doing. Supported every step.
**Photographs on the left are from our recent graduation of this programme, well done to all our learners & thank you to ILoveLimerick for covering our story & for the pictures.
GIFTABOOK INITIATIVE
Gateway to Education started the “GiftAbook” initiative in 2019.
Seven years later & 1000’s of books that would have otherwise went to landfill have reached different projects namely schools of disadvantaged children and young youth in Kenia, Tanzania ,Gambia ,and Mzuzi in Malawi in South Africa .
The sole purpose of this project is to enrich the lives of those less fortunate through reading which is part of our remit .
We would be delighted with any supports that are possible from individuals, groups, organisations and companies to make this the best possible investment for those who are marginalised.
Please share, discuss and feel free to contact us for further information. We hope to start the “GiftAbook” initiative again in the near future.
READ TO GROW PROJECT
The **Read to Grow** initiative redistributes donated books to schools and communities locally and abroad, turning surplus stock into new opportunities for learning.
Through this programme, thousands of books have reached schools in Ireland, Malawi, and beyond.
GTEL’s sustainability work is grounded in the circular economy — reusing, recycling, and repurposing to reduce waste.
Partnership with DGD ensures unsold books are processed responsibly.
“Each book that travels through our hands carries the power to open another mind.”
Each year, GTEL diverts thousands of books from landfill, educates donors about sustainability, and demonstrates that inclusion and environmental care go hand in hand.
To read more about this initiative, please click HERE
TY & Erasmus Pathways
For more than a decade, GTEL has welcomed Transition Year (TY) and Erasmus students into its community — creating a learning environment where education meets real-world experience.
**Transition Year Placements**
Partner schools include Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, Ardscoil Rís, Nano Nagle College, St. Clement’s College, and CBS Limerick. Students gain hands-on retail and teamwork experience while learning about inclusion and sustainability.
“Gateway to Education Limerick showed me that every small action makes a big impact.”
**Erasmus Partnerships**
Through collaboration with the Ralf Foundation, GTEL hosts international students who gain English language, cultural, and practical work experience. These placements connect learning with community, showing that inclusion speaks every language.
“Inclusion speaks every language.”
GO DO IT PROJECT
Limerick based charity, Gateway to Education, runs an ongoing initiative they call their “Go Do it” project. It focuses on adult education and empowering those who come through the project to learn new skills, grow in confidence and gain workplace experience.
Participants of the project are often those returning to employment, people who have been finding it difficult to find stable work and those with intellectual disabilities. Through working with staff on the day to day running of the charity, the project members earn experience in a variety of skills and tasks.
These include admin and office work, storeroom & merchandise management, customer service skills, accounting, social media management and fundraising. Members also have a chance to work on the various projects.
GTEL works in collaboration with organizations like Headway, Employability, Avista and the Community Employment Scheme to offer members of the local community a safe, welcoming place to work while also forming social and working relationships.
Gateway to Education believes that education does not stop after school or college but continues throughout our adult lives. There is always room to learn new things, improve on the skills we already have and grow our social network. GTEL aims to offer this through the “Go Do It Project”.
Arts and Crafts Programme
Mary Waters coordinates inclusive arts and crafts activities at Gateway to Education.
Her work focuses on creating accessible, creative opportunities that support expression, engagement, confidence, and wellbeing. Arts and crafts activities are delivered in a supportive environment and are designed to encourage participation, creativity, and skill development.
Projects may include individual and group-based creative work, craft production, and community-focused arts activities. These initiatives support inclusion by offering alternative ways for people to engage, contribute, and develop confidence.
