Looking to follow a career in Cyber Security, Network Engineering or Software Development?. If you're looking for IT training apprenticeships, then look no further. Meet the FIT team on 17th October in Croke Park's Hogan Suite. Register for your FREE ADMISSION to Ireland's leading careers fair right here.
FIT are Ireland’s Appointed Coordinators of the new National Tech Apprenticeships. These Apprenticeships aim to attract and grow the talent pipeline by providing training in Software Development, Network Engineering and Cyber Security. There has never been a better time to pursue a career in Ireland’s IT sector.
Currently, there’s over 12,000 current vacancies in the tech sector-as highlighted by the recent FIT ICT Skills Audit 2018. Delivered with their valued partners, Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs), FIT are helping more people to discover their talents through training. This concept remains at the heart of the national apprenticeship system.
Furthermore, these companies are keen to recruit Smart People with Smart Skills. These new Tech Apprenticeships allow participants to ‘earn while they learn’. In addition, this has been championed by industry and is now incorporated as an integrated component of statutory provision. Over a two-year period the programme combines college-based learning with on-the-job application. This in turn culminates in the attainment of the ICT Associate Professional Apprenticeship Award QQI Level 6.
Demand for people with tech skills is growing rapidly! The digital transformation has captured the attention of the nation’s industries. Hence, many great companies are looking to apprenticeships to fill their skills gaps.
Emerging Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are creating new industrial sectors. Driverless cars, delivery by drones and further prospects result in the creation of new roles. These new roles demand skill sets and career paths across all sectors of the economy. And this’s expected to grow in the coming years.
Built on a proto-type that was ‘road-tested’ with over 150 leading technology companies sponsoring 249 successful participants, the New Tech Apprenticeships facilitates three track of technology training nationwide:
FIT are looking for people with a passion for IT with a can-do attitude and aptitude for learning.
Follow FIT on social media for all the latest Tech Apprenticeship news!
@FastrackIntoIT on Facebook and Twitter/fit.tech.apprenticeship on Instagram
Jobs Expo Dublin will be hosting a diverse line-up of talks and seminars from professional trainers, employers and career coaches. Career Coach, Thomas McCormack, will be giving his talk, Chasing Dreams & Beginning Again, on our Agenda Stage.
Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, many people in Ireland have been made redundant. This virus has changed all our lives in an unprecedented fashion. It's very easy to get into a rut and focus on the negative. We see it on our screens and hear on our airwaves each and every day.
However, this time has also allowed us time to reflects, take a step back from the rat race and gain new perspective on life. We are given a chance to realise what is really important to us. It's true that many have lost their jobs, but this for many can also lead to new opportunities that they might've not taken otherwise.
It's tough to begin again. We are out of our comfort zone and forced to re-think our career path. You might come to terms with the fact that you wanted to leave your job, but were too afraid to take the first step. For some there might even be a dream job that they haven't yet woven into reality. Sometimes you just need that extra push.
For those are seeking a new career opportunity, Jobs Expo will be returning to Croke Park on 17th October. We've a variety of employers looking to recruit on the day and career coaches and speakers offering advice throughout the day. Register today for FREE ADMISSION and we'll see you this autumn.
Starting your career, facing final exams or looking for that new job is stressful at the best of times. Coupling it with the most uncertain of times, in the midst of a global pandemic makes it a time filled with stress and worry for a great many people. Whatever about protecting our physical health from this unseen enemy, it is also vital that we work to maintain and protect our mental health during this challenging time and try to stay in control of the things we can control and be mindful of what we can’t.
Mindfulness is a technique which we can all learn and can help bring some element of calm to this situation. According to mindfulness practitioner Joanne O’Malley; “Mindfulness or being ‘Present’ and ‘Aware’ cultivates a way of being that builds people’s inner resources, their mind & heart fitness. The practice helps us to be in control of our own minds and mental / emotional stats, instead of our minds/ automatic reactions being in control of us.”
Information and misinformation
One of the greatest problems surrounding this pandemic is misinformation, and how people are affected by it. Whether it be my social media platforms, fake websites, messaging apps, or people repeating hearsay in conversation-the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up hundreds of examples of disinformation and misinformation, ranging from fear mongering, to paranoia, to downright dangerous erroneous medical information. It’s vital that you shield yourself from any stress, strain or damage that such misinformation can cause by only abiding by information from trusted sources, such as national media, government and health agencies. The Covid-19 pandemic has monopolised news networks, and is very hard to avoid, but you do need to give yourself a break. Try turning the notifications off on your phone, only check news feeds once a day if you can, because rest assured you will hear the news at some point, and it is best you hear anything from a tried and trusted source.
You will have increased stress to deal with at this time in addition to what may be pressing deadlines, coursework and/or job applications. But whatever the external pressures that you may have, the most important thing is your health. Everyone deals with the current situation differently so make your own decisions based on what works best for your welfare and be mindful of what your priorities are. Don’t take on unnecessary extra stress or work at this time. While we are all in this situation together, around the world, each and every person has unique life circumstances which may add to their concern. For example, if someone has an underlying health condition that may exacerbate their vulnerability, or has family members who may be at risk, it can detract from their ability to contribute. So bear this in mind if you are involved in group work for a college project or waiting to hear back from someone in relation to a job. Compassion and empathy are more important now than ever so ensure that you treat others the way you would like to be treated yourself.
Make sure you:
Scientific research has proven that mindfulness techniques demonstrably reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and fear. There is plenty of help out there, both in terms of professional advice and of course free digital resources to help you develop this skill to take some time out to care for yourself.
https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/mindfulness.html
With as many as four out of every ten employers using video interviews at some stage of the recruitment process, the necessity for graduates and other jobseekers to have the ability to project themselves confidently is increasingly important. Video interviews are a core part of the process of getting hired online, a trend which is only going to increase given the current global situation.
There are two primary types of video interviews. Both present their challenges, but one allows some level of personal interaction while the other is a purely automated process. Let’s have a look at what they involve.
These days, Zoom or Skype are some of our most commonly accessed platforms, so we should all be well used to operating them and knowing what to expect right? Well, an interview on either platform, increasingly likely to be Zoom, is still very different. On a practical level, one to one video interviews can be great. You don’t have to worry about a commute or travel, and you can often be more comfortable in your own environment. Having a sense of familiarity and, to varying levels, control over your surroundings can be a real boost when you’re looking to make the most of your interview opportunity. However, it’s not all plain sailing.
You need to be sure that you have a very good internet connection and make sure you use headphones and a microphone as opposed to your computer’s sound system. Pixelation and poor sound quality will start your interview off on the worst possible footing. ‘Can you hear me now?’ is not the sort of thing that the employer wants to be hearing from you in the early stages of an interview. Make sure you wear something simple in terms of colours, no stripes or dense patterns, and choose a simple background. This can’t always be as easy as it sounds, but any plain surface with a neutral colour will do, try to obviously make sure there is no clutter, posters or distractions in the background.
Employers will often use video interviews both to get to know you and also to test you on various aspects relating to your knowledge of the role. Using screen sharing technology they could get you to modify or compile a spreadsheet, do a presentation or perhaps finish a line of code. These elements can of course be stressful but try and remain calm and remember that your CV has already put you in the employer’s mind, so draw upon the skills you have, and you will be in the right road to making a strong impression. When ending the interview, let the interviewer/interviewers draw it to a close and leave the meeting or end the call.
These are an increasingly important part of the online hiring process, and are often the first step that a student, graduate or jobseeker will take on this road, prior to online assessments. Automated video interviews basically consist of a virtual environment where you supply answers and give information to an automated platform. Sounds impersonal right? Yes, it is, but like anything else, once you read the briefing notes that should come with the invitation to do the interview, and do your research, then there is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to perform during automated interviews. Despite the setting, you will still be asked many of the standard interview questions regarding motivation, knowledge of the company and the sector and also your skills and experiences.
In terms of preparation, practise talking into a blank screen while focusing on your camera or even test out your responses by recording them and playing them back to yourself. Are you happy with them? Maybe also get the opinion of a partner, friend or family member. Make sure you use the practise facility at the start of almost all video interviews, where you can get your tone of voice and speech right before the questions begin in earnest. Like in a personal interview environment, body language can affect performance, so prepare for this like you’re facing your interviewer and you’ll be primed to give it your best shot.
Following on from the video interview process, candidates will frequently be asked to complete an online assessment. This would normally indicate that you have successfully navigated the video element of the interview, so well done! Although online assessments are increasingly automated it is expected, and normal, that you ask for some feedback on your performance during this part of the process. Like any part of the selection process, the interviewer is trying to gauge you as a person as well as your skills and experience, so where possible try and let your personality shine through.
Online hiring can be daunting, both for candidates and recruiters, so try to be yourself. In these challenging times, the personal touch is at a premium so try and let it shine through wherever possible.
Are you eager to pursue a career in sales and marketing? Talk to a company that specialises recruiting in this area. Field Management Ireland (FMI) will be exhibiting, as well as recruiting, at Jobs Expo Dublin. Register for your FREE ticket today and meet their team on 17th October in the Hogan Suite.
FMI offices are located in Dublin, Belfast and Cork. They regularly deploy over 850 field staff nationwide every week. Because of their scale, the company works with an array of companies. Thus, they partner with smaller artisan retail suppliers right up to large blue chip organisations.
Firstly, FMI provide a complete end-to-end field solution. This comprises of everything from back end support systems right the way through to each personalised customer interaction. By using their services, clients can rely on a consistency of quality and service.
Field Marketing Ireland are founder members of the European Field Marketing Partnership. Additionally, they are members of bodies CCMA, MSPA Europe, Sales Institute Ireland, Marketing Institute of Ireland and Retail NI. Therefore, they constantly have an eye on current and upcoming trends both within Ireland and across Europe.
FMI believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Hence, they tailor bespoke solutions for their clients. As a result, they ensure maximum results and return on investment at all times.
Although the organisation has Irish roots, it’s an international business made up of over 50 nationalities. They believe that this diverse background gives them a unique perspective in Irish field marketing. Their cosmopolitan team allows them to bring energy and enthusiasm to the brands that they represent.
Jobs Expo Dublin will be running its popular Career Clinic this October 17th. The FREE careers fair, dedicated to jobseekers and professional candidates, returns to Croke Park. In addition to our diverse line-up of exhibitors hiring on the day, there'll be a section where you can get career advice from our Career Coaches. One of the faces you'll see on the day is Thomas McCormack. Thomas will also be giving his talk, Chasing Dreams & Beginning Again, on our Agenda Stage in the Hogan Suite.
A coach is someone who can help you figure out the best answers for you in areas of your life you might be struggling in without judgement or bias. Through the Irish Lifecoach Institute Thomas gained qualifications in Life & Business Coaching, Advanced Career Coaching and Advanced Relationship Coaching. Coaching is something that falls in line with who he really is as a person, and he is happy to devote his time to something that he believes can help people on a regular basis.
Thanks to coaching Thomas has been able to help people work through various aspects of their lives from career decisions and progression to confidence, self-esteem and feeling lost by helping them to bring their life and long-term goals into focus.
His aim is to help you work through the barriers and break free from your comfort zone, your fears and your limiting beliefs so you can begin to work towards living your dream life.
