Employment and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Employment and Training

Community Education and Lifelong Learning

IRD Duhallow prides itself in offering a varied, diverse and innovative community education offering for the communities it is serving. The delivery of community education offerings was faced by numerous obstacles since the COVID-19 pandemic began requiring operational adaptations. The delivery of our community education programmes largely shifted to a virtual delivery in order to maintain best practice public health guidelines and requirements. In the second last quarter of 2021, in person training re-commenced. IRD Duhallow offered in excess of twenty educational courses in 2021/2022 ranging from Self-defence for women to an introduction to Astronomy. Further, IRD Duhallow offered hybrid training opportunities such as the ‘Build your own nest box ’ entailing virtual tutorial with the provision of nest box flat packs for learners, adding a tangible element to the training. Certainly a strong result of the so called ‘ new normal’ during the current COVID- 19 pandemic has been the emergence of online training opportunities. Lifelong learning has never been more accessible with fantastic courses and workshops only a mouse click away. IRD Duhallow capitalised on virtual learning opportunities embracing its many advantages including convenience, economical benefits for both the company and learners and opportunity to upskill. Online learning is available to anyone who has access to the internet on either a smart phone, computer or tablet allowing learners to log on at home or any place convenient to them. Online learning provided a much needed opportunity to learn new skills and engage with others-even if it was only virtually. Virtual platforms offered a great way to safely chat to other learners and tutors and gave participants a much need outlet to connect with others. Online learning gives provides learners access to tutors and speakers who are among the best in their fields.

Learn how to play chess with IRD Duhallow! This innovative Community Education offering welcomed learners from all across Duhallow.

Astronomer Trevor O’Donoghue, Tutor of the SICAP funded Backyard Astronomy course and regular contributor to the Discover Duhallow Magazine.

Labour Market Activation

Getting job ready through SICAP funded Labour Market Activation. Participants of the Forklift programme upon the completion of the course. Through our Labour Market Activation initiative, we aim to provide programmes supporting those in the search of employment or those seeking to update their skillset. Course offerings are flexible and responsive in relation to different industry needs. Various courses were offered including Safe Pass training 360 Excavator training and a workshop on remote working opportunities, focussing on remote working opportunities.

Adult and Second Chance Education Bursaries

IRD Duhallow has long promoted community education and lifelong learning as a driver of social inclusion and positive social impacts in the locality. Regardless of age and circumstances the opportunity to participate in education has been seen to be pivotal in the Duhallow region as a change creator. IRD Duhallow Employment and Training Working Group has supported the provision of a number of grants to individuals to facilitate access and entry to further and higher-level education.

Many rural dwellers face additional barriers when trying access to higher education including poor broadband infrastructure, the infrequency of public transport and overall increases in the general in the cost of living. In the last year, 8 individuals have received funding from this measure under the SICAP programme. The availability of these bursaries has allowed these individuals to continue their education and become trained in various disciplines.

Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)

IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp and Duhallow Community Food Services are delighted to host two participants on the Work Placement Experience Programme; both participants had previously completed work experience through our Ability Programme in Revamp and DCFS and had expressed interest in furthering their experience. The progression route was identified and with the help of Rose Slattery, Employer Relations Officers for North Cork, two WPEP places were secured. The WPEP has a heavy emphasis on learning and development with participants expected to complete 60 hours of training; both accredited and nonaccredited. A learning and development plan was completed at the beginning of the programme with training needs identified; they are receiving on the job training, mentoring, accredited training in areas relevant to their work and coaching.

Testimony – Andrew Lavery

" I applied for the SICAP bursary programme that was available at IRD Duhallow to help fund my Personal Training course in Cork. Without IRD, I would have found it very hard to fund the course I would just like to give a big thanks to IRD for contributing to my success as I am now employed full time as a fully qualified Personal

Andrew Lavery Trainer. I would recommend the Bursary Programme for everyone that is struggling financially, it' s a difference maker " .

Ecologist Interns Aisling Natoff and James Dempsey with Michael O’Connor, Ecologist of IRD Duhallow, surveying grasslands.