About Us

History of Thurles CTC

Thurles Youth Development Project was set up in 1981 to cater for early school leavers in the Thurles area and was funded by AnCO (now ETB) and the Youth Employment Agency, with input to teaching hours by the Department of Education through the V.E.C. It was expanded to cater for young Travellers shortly afterwards. Since 1988 the Project has carried out its business in a specially constructed Centre in the current location (Cabra Road, Thurles).

Thurles Youth Development Project was unique in that it was the only centre of its kind in the country catering for early school leavers and Travellers in one programme. In 1997, responsibility for traveller education was passed to the Department of Education and Science, since when the Centre has reported to FÁS and the Department in equal measure for the 40 learners on the course, 20 in each programme. In 2008, F.A.S. became the sole funder of Thurles Youth Development Project. At this time, a decision was taken by the Board of Management to change the operating name of the Centre from “Thurles Youth Development Project” to “Thurles Community Training Centre”, a more nationally recognised brand name.

Our Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Centre to provide a safe and supportive environment where our participants can learn, train, plan, work, acquire basic skills, make decisions and develop their full potential. It is our aim to contribute to this in an holistic manner, while in an environment of mutual respect which will also enhance the development of the staff and stakeholders.