IRD Duhallow Progress Jun 21/22.qxp_Layout 1 21/07/2022 12:54 Page 45
IRD DUHALLOW | PROGRESS REPORT
2020 - 2021
Community Employment IRD Duhallow’s CE Scheme
up skill and improve their confidence and Self-esteem on a personal level and improve their chances of gaining employment as this is the main object of the Community Employment Scheme.
IRD Duhallow has run its Community Employment Scheme since 1994. In 2020, our scheme expanded to take in the Kiskeam, Knocknagree, Ballydesmond Scheme. We now have 44 places on CE, with a Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor. Martin O’Neill delivers our Free Discover Duhallow magazine to various shops and outlets across the region.
The purpose of CE is to help the long term unemployed re-enter the labour force, by working a maximum of three years on CE, participating in training and upskilling, gaining valuable work experience and undertaking intensive personal development through the Individual Learner Plan tool. The role of our supervisor, is to provide opportunity, support and coach participants in gaining skills and competencies in preparation for employment as well as maintaining effective and efficient administration and coordination of financial and material resources.
Joan Sheehan loading washing in the IRD Duhallow Community Laundry where she works part time on her scheme
Duhallow has always had a very active community ethos, with volunteering across the area always very high. However, the pandemic has seen communities raise the bar. Our towns and villages have been very active and demand for support from CE and other schemes is at an all-time high. Denis Carroll has responsibility for We aim to provide the best possible maintaining the pitch at Dromtariffe GAA service to communities while ensuring the most valuable work placement experience for participants. IRD Duhallow has where possible, placed participants completing Tús onto CE. This facilitates a more steady long term plan for participants and gives people the time needed to prepare to return to work. This highlights the benefits of embedding employment services in the Local Development Company Structure.
This past year, training undertaken and funded by the department include Payroll Techniques, Manual Handling, Finance Accounting / Bookkeeping computer software sage, Nutrition, Professional Driving Modules, Forklift, Advance Excel, interview skills and Adult Education courses.
Paddy O’Connor Supervisor and Roger Flynn CE Participant meet to discuss training opportunities to support progression
Our Job Centre Development Officer is available to work with participants when they are ready to move forward to employment, with CV preparation and Interview Skills. Community Employment Participants complete the small engines Course
Jason Buckland completed 3 years on CE in February. He was fortunate to avail of Accounting Technician Training while on the scheme and gained valuable work experience in accounts. He has gained full time employment with FDC in Kanturk
Our current scheme covers the communities of Dromtarriffe, Cullen, Rathcoole, Newmarket Kilcorney, Banteer, Lyre, Boherbue, Ballydaly, Knocknagree, Ballydesmond and Kiskeam. The scheme also provides support to a number of Community enterprises including Newmarket Pitch and Putt, Duhallow Community Laundry, Duhallow Revamp and Duhallow Community Food Services. The role CE plays in these communities, cannot be underestimated.
Community Employment Drug Rehabilitation Scheme IRD Duhallow has been awarded a second CE scheme. The overall objective will be to provide opportunities for people in recovery from substance misuse to re-engage into their communities and activate them for entry to the labour market. The schemes will assist in bridging the gap between long-term unemployment and the open labour market. It is characterised by offering paid work on a temporary contract, together with training, personal development and job search activities. Through our experience of supporting those in recovery through other programmes and services, we are cognisant that no two people are the same and their interests and skills often differ. Many are unsure of what direction to take and therefore are not ready to make a decision relating to their future career. By offering a CE scheme placement as well as wrap around support services available through IRD Duhallow, it will maximise the likelihood of positive progression for the person in recovery. It will allow the person to move forward at a pace which is appropriate for them thus reducing the risk of relapse which can be significantly detrimental to motivation for a person in recovery. It is envisaged that the CE scheme participants will increase their self-esteem and aspirations, enhance their CV, get ‘job ready’ or ‘further education ready’, have a possible reference for future employment or entry to educational institutes whilst also developing new positive friendships and networks in tandem.
Participant Development through Training The key difference between CE and other labour market schemes, is that training plays a central role in the Community Employment Scheme. The Department Of Social Protection stipulate that only QQI FETAC, City and Guilds or other Certificate qualifications can be funded. The Supervisor encourages all participants to consider Specific Training so that they can
45
