For the third consecutive year, the Construction Jobs Expo will host the country’s leading employers as they recruit for roles across the industry.
Are you currently working in the construction industry or thinking about moving into this sector? Have you been displaced by the COVID-19 crisis and are looking for a new position? The Construction Jobs Expo in Citywest Convention Centre is the perfect place to explore your options on Saturday 10th October between 10am - 4pm.
During June/June, Ireland will enter the 4th phase of reopening society and business. Jobs, upskilling and training will be a crucial area of interest for people around Ireland as the country begins to rebuild its economy in the months to come. The health and safety of exhibitors and attendees is the number one priority of this event, particularly in the current Covid-19 climate.
Attendance will be marshalled to limit the number of visitors within the event hall at any given time to conform with HSE social distancing guidelines. Attendees will register into specific time slots, which will be divided into 90-minute segments, with additional event time added to accommodate five distinct slots across the day.
The Construction Jobs Expo is sponsored by Glenveagh Properties PLC and the companies in attendance will be seeking engineers, electricians, estimators, quantity surveyors, health and safety, environmental and quality professionals as well as instrument technicians and experts in heating and plumbing.
The first event of its kind, the popularity and growth of the Construction Jobs Expo since its launch in 2018 signals a high demand for skilled labour across the country. This event will feature the leading players in the construction sector at home and abroad. In addition to meeting employers in person in a safe environment, there will also be the opportunity to attend a range of innovative industry talks from career professionals who will cover advice on everything from upskilling and education, to bridging the gender gap in the sector.
Construction Jobs Expo is organised by Careers Unlimited, an Irish company which specialises in education and career enhancement. Kevin Branigan from Careers Unlimited said: “At present, the construction sector is one of the most exciting areas to work in and is still busy despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. There are so many opportunities that it makes sense to have a forum where industry professionals can hear about the opportunities available and speak directly with potential employers. All of our exhibitors are leading players in the sector and this is the only industry event of its kind that is free to enter. If you’re looking for a new role, Construction Jobs Expo is the place to be on October 10th.”
Event Details
For information about exhibiting at Construction Jobs Expo 2020, call +353 1 215 0518 or email info@constructionjobsexpo.ie.
Aisling has worked for many years in Recruitment & Human Resources. She graduated from University with an Honours Bachelors Degree specialising in Human Resources and became a member of the CIPD. She started her career working in a recruitment agency, moved into an in house recruitment role in an IT company and began training in HR. She rapidly worked her way up to HR Business Partner level, where she's worked for several years, gaining experience in all aspects of the employee life cycle.
Her daily job was coaching both managers and employees in how to manage relationships, conflict, and ensure high employee engagement for both parties and ensure that they were happy in their jobs.
She has coached many clients on achieving their career goals from interviews, CV reviews, setting goals and supporting them in creating their career vision.
She feels no greater satisfaction than when she helps someone achieve their ultimate career goal and seeing how happy it’s made them!
Tired of doing the same work day in day out? Looking for a change, not just of job, but of career? Then returning to education or university as a mature student may be the answer. As more courses move online, and as the Covid-19 crisis has changed professional landscapes forever, there has never been a better time to take stock and consider your options.
The old image of mature students was often of a keen bunch in the front row of the lecture hall, coming over all earnest while their younger course mates sported love bites and a faint smell of booze instead of sensible jumpers, beards and meticulously organised folders. Things are changing, though: the demand for life-long learning and flexible skills means third-level education is now not just for fresh-faced school leavers.
Returning to study requires a major commitment on your part. More than anything you need the support of your nearest and dearest. Study and exams take up time and energy, even though the academic year is short (September to June), with lots of breaks during the year. A recent study of mature students in the UK showed that 30% of students gave up their courses due to a lack of support. So make sure you tell your beloved and the family all about your plans and get them on your side from the start!
It takes time to choose the right course. Think about your strengths, your past experience, your potential. Consult your heart as well as your head. Remember that some courses require a background in certain subjects. Get copies of the prospectuses from the different colleges. Study the course content (which subject areas covered), the mode of study (full-time, part-time, modular or distance) and type of qualification offered (certificate, diploma or degree). Contact the admissions office of the college for details of entry requirements, application procedure, fees, grants, application deadlines, information evenings, etc.
To qualify as a mature student you should be 23 years old on or before 1 January for admission the following autumn. The number of places reserved for mature students on courses varies between institutions and also between different faculties. Depending on the course you choose, competition for places can sometimes be stiff. So it’s always a good idea to do a grounding course before applying; for example, a course on returning to learning, covering such things as note-taking, study techniques and essay writing.
Even though Ireland is in the midst of a lockdown, it doesn’t mean individuals are setting aside personal or career goals, according to a survey submitted to over 25,000 users of leading Irish database Nightcourses.com; the survey has revealed a large increase in interest in online courses and training as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
73% of those surveyed say they are more likely to consider online courses and distance learning, with a further 18% indicating that they may consider such options – an increase of 36% to those who’ve availed of remote training options in the past.
Across the country, people are changing the way they work, parent and interact socially, and the Internet has had a major role to play in that transition. Most people that were questioned for the study – a whopping 51%, in fact – agreed that online or distance learning programmes can offer the same quality content as on-campus programmes.
One busy worker added: “It’s more beneficial to me as I work for HSE and can’t find much of my personal time to myself. Online courses allow me to switch in and out with easy access, no travel and high-quality learning.”
However, there is some way to go before all facets of training move online, as 50% of respondents felt that online / distance learning programmes aren’t practical in their chosen field. As one learner commented: “The course I want to take is dressmaking, which is very hands on. You need to be there for fittings.”
Plus, with schools closed, many people are struggling to balance working at home and managing a family. One parent observed how their lives have changed drastically: “My kids are at home 24/7 and it’s hard trying to fit time in for myself.”
With the COVID-19 crisis continuing and no end in sight, the issue of concentration and lack of personal motivation came up a number of times among respondents.
One concerned individual commented: “People might find it hard to concentrate if they are worried about COVID-19,” while another added: “The anxiety of this pandemic has caused a definite drop in motivation to actually work. I know I am not the only one feeling this way.”
A few people reported having problems with connectivity, and despite government efforts, some didn’t have access to broadband in their area. Yet, the main obstacle for everyone questioned on the survey was fiscal.
A number of respondents reported having lost their jobs, and many others feared for their future income. “I’m worried about the uncertainty of my employment. It would affect my ability to pay for a postgrad course if I lost my job,” commented one, while another added: “Price is an issue as my husband was let go. We are looking after the pennies but still want to develop further.”
Course providers, it’s an ideal time to move your training online. In total, 73% of respondents to the survey say they are now more likely to consider online courses and distance learning, while 18% are open to the idea and are ready to be convinced.
Many of these potential students are already familiar with the format of studying remotely, too; of those interested in booking onto courses, 41% have already enrolled on an online or distance learning course, while 30% have also taken a blended course in the past.
In addition, 69% said they’d be interested in attending a virtual (online) courses fair, showcasing colleges and course providers that are providing courses, while 43% said they would consider attending an online open day.
People are using this downtime in very different ways. 44% of those questioned were planning to take an professional online course, while 63% said that if a training provider moves their programmes online, they would be encouraged to book onto a course over the next 3 months.
Of those surveyed, 42% have booked courses recently, 59% of people were considering undertaking professional training for their career, 17% were thinking of taking a postgraduate course, 17% wished to improve their soft skills, and 21% wanted to brush up on their technical skills – perhaps mastering the intricacies of Excel. “I would like to focus on upskilling myself and get ready for the market when it opens up,” added one respondent.
New Online Training Portal Launched
This survey was submitted by Careers Unlimited to 25,000 users and followers of Nightcourses.com and Courses.ie ahead of the company’s launch of online portal, OnlineCampus.ie.
This new website is a comprehensive database of online, distance learning and home study options offered by Irish colleges and course providers and lists a range of programmes from hobbyist to postgraduate level.
If you’re looking to find a training option to suit you, click here, or if you would like to find out how to feature your courses on the portal contact info@onlinecampus.ie.
Staying sane, balancing a hefty work schedule and keeping your children occupied is no easy feat. As parents, we all have the best of intentions when it comes to home schooling, but it’s not always easy to adhere to a detailed lesson plan when you have deadlines to submit for, meetings to attend, or a demanding remote working schedule. It can be an enormous struggle to keep your family educated and entertained while holding down a job; here at JobsExpo, we commend your efforts - but at the end of the day, once your kids are safe and well, you’re doing a great job. Here's our Jobs Expo Survival Guide to working from home with kids.
Discipline is a limited resource. One way to avoid throwing in the towel too early is by prepping what you have to do ahead of time, and sticking to it as best you can. If you have the lunches prepped the day before, and the lesson plan ready to go at the beginning of the week, it makes it that much easier to persevere when all hell breaks loose on a Thursday, and your boss needs all hands-on deck for a client presentation as your child's teacher hands out that lengthy assignment list!
This is what Pinterest was designed for. One way to make your time at home more bearable and keep kids - big and small alike - entertained, is to add a bit of fun and creativity into your day. Sure, the onus might be to focus on the relatively dry staples of Maths and English when it comes to home schooling. But get ordering those paints on Amazon, start coming up with fun projects; sewing, painting, crafts - you might even find something you enjoy yourself that helps your blood pressure levels stay low!
Maintaining a routine, getting up, getting dressed and getting ready for the present forms of ‘school’ and ‘work’ all help when it comes to maintaining the structure and balance of each day. Keep your workspaces separate from those chill out zones, and make sure to divide up the home-schooling responsibilities equally between parents to keep things running as smoothly as possible. It’s important to lead by example, no procrastinating - at least visibly - on your own ‘homework’ too.
It’s important to remember that you are not alone in all this - although it can feel like it sometimes. There are so many parents across the globe, struggling with this impossible balancing act at present. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your employer. Let them know what problems you are facing and find a workaround that works for everyone. Is there flexibility to your working day? Could some of your tasks be done in the evening, or at the weekend when your partner has more time to pitch in?
When it comes to your kids’ class, there are so many parents in the same boat;why not group together and share some of the home-schooling responsibilities as a unit? Set up ‘remote study groups’. Having those external appointments at set times is a great way to keep to a routine.You might not be in the same room, but you can certainly cover lessons and get through that extensive homework list one Zoom meeting at a time.
As parents, it’s too easy to keep going 24/7 with the focus on your work and family and not take any time to unwind. Whether it’s playing Xbox with your work friends or sitting out the back with an ice-cold white wine, take the time to enjoy a few moments of calm each day. Make sure you and your partner cover for each other on all those duties; personal time and space is precious and does wonders in restoring the well of patience that so often runs dry after a long day of home schooling.
Starting out, we all had the best of intentions; how many times did you tell yourself that screen time will be kept to a minimum and you’ll be up doing PE with Joe Wicks every single morning? However, there will be times when that just isn’t feasible - and that’s perfectly ok. Don’t let those other parents with Instagram's full of crafts and freshly baked cupcakes fool you. You won’t be the only one resorting to iPad time / Frozen 2 /Playstation -depending on the age bracket - so you can have enough peace to get through that important work call. And OrganicVeganYogaMom29’s carefully curated social media account shouldn’t guilt you into thinking otherwise.
As the old proverb goes: this, too, shall pass. Yes, there will be many, many times over the course of this pandemic where you’ll be pushed to the limits of your sanity - and you’re not alone there. That’s why wine was invented. However, there will also be those quality, fun, rewarding moments - so don’t forget to take the time and savour those too.
Like many, many people across the globe, new technology has been making a big impact on the changing face of our daily working life. For the foreseeable future, physically going into that office, or meeting a colleague for a casual coffee and informal chat is something that’s off the table. If you’re used to working with teams in other countries or districts, then remote meetings will be old hat; however, for many of us, connecting online with colleagues and clients is a completely new experience. If you want to get familiar with navigating the social etiquette and best practices on how to hold productive remote meetings, then don't worry - we have you covered with our top ten tips below!
There is a common misconception that just because people are working from home, that they are idle, and dying for some kind of human interaction. In fact, because of the vast amount of work involved in updating systems, learning new technology and generally transitioning businesses online, many people’s workload is fuller than it has ever been. With this in mind, before you call a meeting you must ask yourself: Is this absolutely necessary? Could this be solved with an email thread? If the answer is maybe, then this is a meeting that doesn’t have to happen. Be respectful of other people’s time and be selective when it comes to who is sitting in on it.
This is a learning curve for everyone. While it’s important to be understanding, we can’t stress how frustrating it is for a large group of busy people to wait on one person to figure out how to unmute their mic - especially when there’s a mountain of work to get done that would put Everest to shame. So if this is your first meeting with any given group, budget time ahead of the meeting to do a digital recce. This will allow people to check that their WiFi signal is strong enough, their camera is working, and how to manoeuvre with the technology without eating into your scheduled time.
Know that people’s calendars have never been so filled with requests for chats, meetings and catch ups as they are right now, and know where you fit into that. If you’re the host of this meeting, then make sure people have as much information available to them before it starts, so they can choose if it’s appropriate for them to go, be fully read up on what’s going to happen, and can do any research or prep on their end ahead of the meeting. In the title of your invite, have a clear indication of what you intend to cover over the course of the meeting; ‘General Catch Up’ for instance is just too vague. Circulate an agenda to all attendees, and make sure you budget a realistic time frame for the online call, and stick to it, as best you can.
What is the goal of this online meeting? Is this a catch up with colleagues about daily targets, or is there a focussed to-do list a mile long? Either way, lengthy chit chat about the present, terrifying news does not help you achieve it. If you’re running this meeting, then it’s your role to make sure it stays on task. We recommend that if things start to veer off course - table all off-topic subjects until the end of the meeting, then people with time constraints can opt out, knowing that all the important areas have been covered. Again, it all comes back to respecting other people’s schedules. You’ll find that if you host one too many meetings where people start talking banana bread recipes or personal politics, you’ll get less and less people ‘available’ for meetings in the future.
The general rules of thumb for remote meetings are as follows: punctuality is key, pay attention, cameras on, mics off and be respectful of whoever is talking. Don't be afraid to establish these again clearly in the agenda if you're hosting the first meeting of a new group. Once a meeting is fast moving and to the point, people should have no time to answer work emails, or have a muted going back and forth with their partner in their kitchen. As the host, you must lead by example. Also, it’s your responsibility to introduce people if they’re new to any given group.
And this goes double for your space. If you think no one is eyeing up your piles of dirty washing in the background, or your collection of bathrobes, think again. As a host, being clean and groomed is paramount. No one is expecting formal wear or an hour’s worth of makeup application, however, brushed hair, relatively smart attire (as far as the webcam can see, at least) and a tidy space goes a long way to giving a professional impression. And keep that door closed… avoid any unexpected visitors in the form of pets or children at all costs!
Back in the days of in-person meetings, nothing was more awkward than a speaker struggling, trying to get a projector working, or having connectivity issues with WiFi. And when it comes to remote meetings, the same principles apply; have all those kinks worked out beforehand. Once you have your agenda planned, have all relevant links, slides, or items you’d like to share ready to go. Familiarise yourself with the screen sharing options of the software you’ll be using, as well as the chat box, and the muting buttons. Do you need to set up breakout rooms or share a clip? Do a test run of everything you’ll be using ahead of the meeting so everything runs seamlessly on the day. And dear god, use a work-only profile. We’ve all heard the horror stories of people accidentally sharing the dodgy sites they’ve been visiting while utilising the screen sharing option.
When it comes to contributing to a larger group, it’s best practice to mute your own mic. However, if this is a group of people not too familiar with online meetings, be prepared for all sorts of background noise. You’ll have pets, kids, partners pottering around kitchens… if you’re the admin, then it’s on you to mute everyone. If someone wants to ask a question or contribute, get them to put up their hand or use the chat box. And be very mindful of background noise or any other issues emanating from your own side, don’t be afraid to check in occasionally and see if everyone can see and hear you.
Are you wondering how you can keep people engaged during meetings and keep track of everything that happens, and adhere to the agenda? Phew - that sounds like a lot, because it is. Then here’s a bit of invaluable advice, assign and rotate various admin roles within the meeting. Get your team to take turns being the facilitator, timekeeper and notetaker. It will not only allow for a smoother run of things, but will also give everybody a greater understanding and empathy when it’s someone else's turn to run the meeting and things start to go wrong.
And finally, don’t let what you cover in the meeting fall by the wayside. There’s nothing worse than constantly going over the same topics again and again. Keep track of everything you get through, assign tasks, send follow up via email with any actionable or notable items. Then, the next time you all meet, you can see how far you’ve come in relation to reaching those goals. Celebrating achievements is a great way to start any meeting!
Is there anything you’d like to add? Do you have any tips or tricks that you find keep the momentum of a remote meeting going? Then we’d love to hear them - just comment below!
