Regarded as one of the most effective employability initiatives in Europe, FIT: Fast Track to IT, provides ICT training that helps unemployed people return to the workforce. You can find out about their training programmes at Jobs Expo Cork this November.
FIT is an industry-led initiative. They transform the lives of marginalised jobseekers and disadvantaged communities through innovative ICT training courses. The initiative works in close collaboration with a number of bodies, including:
FIT supports anyone at risk of, or already experiencing, long-term unemployment. Furthermore, they work with early school leavers from disadvantaged communities. Consequently, their programmes support marginalised jobseekers and disadvantaged communities.
Firstly, they do this through offering innovative ICT training courses as a gateway to employment. They also develop and promotes technology-based programmes for jobseekers who have become detached from the labour market.
All industry sectors use technology. Therefore FIT's initiatives ensures that all jobseekers have the skills they need to compete for job opportunities.
Established in 1999, FIT is a registered charity as well as a not-for-profit organisation. Since then, they have expanded substantially and now operate across the Republic of Ireland. In addition, they run programmes in Northern Ireland under the banner FIT-NI.
Over 16,000 job seekers have completed their skills development programmes and more than 12,500 progressed into employment.
We are very pleased to announce that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) will be exhibiting at Jobs Expo Cork on Saturday, 25th November at the UCC Devere Hall, Aras na Mac Leinn.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body. WRC established on 1st October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015 (No. 16 of 2015). They provide information on industrial relations as well as rights and obligations under Irish employment and equality legislation.
WRC assumes the roles and functions previously carried out by:
Firstly, WRC promotes the improvement of workplace relations and the maintenance of good workplace relations. They also promote and encouraging compliance with relevant enactments.
In addition, WRC provides guidance in relation to compliance with codes of practice approved under Section 20 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015.
They also conduct reviews of, and monitor developments as respects, workplace relations. Furthermore, they conduct or commission research into matters pertaining to workplace relations.
WRC provides advice and information as well as the findings of research conducted by the Commission to joint labour committees and joint industrial councils. In addition, they advise and appraise the Minister in relation to the application of, and compliance with, relevant enactments. They also provide information to members of the public in relation to employment.
The Commission’s core services include the inspection of employment rights compliance, the provision of information, the processing of employment agency and protection of young persons (employment) licences as well as the provision of mediation, conciliation, facilitation and advisory services.
The Commission has a board consisting of a chairperson and eight ordinary members appointed by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
Could you be a broadcaster? The Radio School will be exhibiting at Jobs Expo Cork's education and training area, The Campus, on Saturday 25 November at the UCC Devere Hall, Aras na Mac Leinn.
Established in 1995, the Radio School offers part-time courses and training in radio broadcasting as well as media studies from beginners to advanced level. Since then they have continuously updated its training programmes in line with technological advances.
A team of experienced professionals, all of whom are experts in the radio business, delivers the courses. In addition, a panel of guest lecturers teaches specialised areas of the course. The Radio School’s tutors are committed to helping students to learn real world experience and skills. As a result, they are able to proceed into the workplace. Due to their continuous involvement in the industry, they can prepare students thoroughly for involvement in this dynamic area, both at home or abroad.
To work in a professional environment you must be familiar with the operation of professional standards of equipment as well as have the ability to use creative skills to enhance the on-air product. Therefore, the Radio School utilises state-of the-art broadcast and recording equipment in a professional broadcast setting. Particular emphasis is put on gaining a thorough understanding of the following:
Students receive a “real world” view of broadcasting at the studios of a local radio station. This enables students to view, first-hand, the various operational aspects of the radio station, and to learn in professional surroundings.
Don't miss your chance to meet BCS Sales Recruitment at Jobs Expo Cork on Saturday 25 November 2017 at the UCC Devere Hall, Aras na Mac Leinn.
BCS Sales Recruitment provides human resources services to a variety of industries. They are experts in the selection of staff across all levels of an organisation, from trainee to management and director level. BCS also runs a sales school offering upskilling to sales professionals.
BCS are the sponsors and organisers of the Jobs Expo. Since 2012, they have run highly successful careers events in Cork, Dublin, and Galway. They are also the team behind Virtual Expos Ireland.
“Jobs Expo allows employees and employers to meet and discuss career opportunities in a relatively informal setting,” says Bronagh Cotter of BCS. “Candidates can meet a variety of employers, and employers can conduct initial interviews with potential employees. However, for recruitment firms like BCS, it is also a chance to connect with candidates and companies.”
BCS Sales Recruitment's specialists will be on hand at Jobs Expo Cork. The team can offer advise to jobseekers on a number of subjects such as interview skills and career development. BCS's jobseeker services are available to anyone looking for employment.
“Over our many years in recruitment we have learnt that many jobseekers are unsure how to sell themselves to employers. They may have all the necessary skills and experience, but they have trouble communicating that. Other candidates underestimate the importance of soft skills, and fail to highlight these.”
Bronagh says recruitment should create a mutually beneficial relationship between candidates and companies.
“BCS aims to find the best fit for both employees and employers. Most organisations want something more than just an employee with skills and experience. They want staff who fit into their company’s culture. It is much the same for jobseekers, particularly if they have in-demand skills. Salary is a consideration, but not the only one. Their priority may be the potential for promotion, the chance to upskill, travel opportunities or work-life balance,” she explains.
“We match a candidate’s goals and expectations with the right company. It's not a job well done unless both the candidate and company benefit. Consider how much of our lives are spent at work. That means that finding the right fit is crucial.”
If you made it down to Croke Park on Saturday, you'll know it was a busy day. If you missed it, here's your Jobs Expo Dublin October Video Roundup!
First off, we chatted with Sgt Erin Lee of An Garda Siochana about their recruitment drive.
Next, Tifco Hotel Group told us about their open jobs and opportunities.
TCP Solutions is one of Europe’s leading payroll and compliance specialists. They tell us about working with them.
Earlier this year, Grafton Merchanting announced 170 new jobs across Ireland as their business continues to expand. Laura Clarke tells us about jobs and opportunities.
Looking for a job in food service? We also spoke to Milano about their open roles.
Fancy living and working outside Ireland, but close by? Jonathan Mills tells us about opportunities on the Isle of Man.
If you prefer to spread your wings, have a look at our interview with Jake Arbuckle of the Government of New Brunswick in Canada.
We also had a chat with Dave Miller from Armour Transportation Systems.
Finally, if you are looking for a career at the highest levels of business, the CIMA qualification may be the answer. We found out about it.
We are very proud to announce that Minister for Employment Affairs & Social Protection, Regina Doherty, will attend Jobs Expo Dublin. The Minister is due at the event in the morning.
"We are delighted to have the Minister come along to Jobs Expo, and that she is also offering the Government's support for the event," says organiser Bronagh Cotter.
"Jobs Expo's aim has always been to help jobseekers find fulfilling and rewarding work, as well as assist companies to fill vacant roles. Both of these are crucial to the Irish economy. We know from the latest Central Statistics Office figures that joblessness is falling. However, 11% of Irish people live in jobless households. At the same time, there are several companies very keen to recruit and grow. We really appreciate the Government's support of our efforts to assist both candidates and companies," she added.
Jobs Expo runs twice a year in Dublin, Cork and Galway. Since 2012, over 75,000 people have attended Jobs Expo and hundreds of companies have filled vacancies.
Jobs Expo Dublin takes place this Saturday at Croke Park. Recruiters include An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service, tech giant Mongo DB, Tifco Hotels, PhoneWatch, Peter McVerry Trust, MRP, Engage Education, the Canadian Government and the Government of the Isle of Man.
Jobs Expo Dublin has six separate zones to make it easier for attendants to find the companies and jobs that interest them the most. Jobs Expo Dublin’s dedicated areas include:
As well as thousand of jobs on offer, Jobs Expo Dublin will also include free career advice as well as a series of industry seminars. The Career Clinic offers the chance for attendees to meet a team of professional careers coaches free of charge.
In addition, Jobs Expo Dublin’s Agenda Stage will offer a full conference day free, topical talks by industry insiders. These will include job-seeking skills, working for PhoneWatch and living in Canada.
Furthermore, broadcaster and author Andrea Hayes will chair a panel discussion on the issue of the gender pay gap and how professional women can break the ‘glass ceiling’ to move into senior roles.
Jobs Expo Dublin is free for attendees. Jobseekers can register for free tickets here.