Work placements work out
FRAN Gleeson, Employer Liaison Officer, Wexford Local Development wants to hear from employers who will provide a work placement for job seekers. This is to overcome the Catch 22 of “you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get the experience.”
“We hope to recognise local employers who partner with us in tackling youth unemployment by having a Youth Friendly Employer award in 2017”
WLD has worked with local businesses in the past, and this partnership has been very important and successful in helping employment in Co Wexford.
WLD organised delivery of QQI Level 5 Healthcare modules throughout the County, in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey and New Ross. Many people attended these courses and Home Instead Senior Care gave caregiver talks to the students attending the courses.
“Home Instead Senior Care is delighted to say that we have employed ten people over the course of 2016. Without WLD taking the initiative on this issue those people wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come and work for us.”
Fintan Duggan, Community Service Representative, Home Care employers
“Local unemployment can be a tough nut to crack, connections with places like WLD and programmes such as First Steps can be a vital link for those trying to get back in to the workforce by helping to develop their skills on many levels within the hospitality industry. Our community means a lot to us all, and helping to train those in our community to become part of our people is key for us to continue to grow as a company.”
Janice Frost, HR Manager, Clayton Whites/Maldron Hotel
“I’ve really enjoyed the First Steps course. My social skills have improved – I’ve come out of myself a lot. I’ve learned loads on the course”. First Steps Course participant I found it hard at first, and was going to give it up, but I didn’t. I’m so glad now that I didn’t. I’d say to anyone, stick at it” First Steps Course participant Bluebird Care provides care in the home and community to people of all ages and abilities. A number of their staff have been recruited from the Healthcare courses run by WLD.
“It is essential that the people providing care to our clients are caring in nature and are well trained. The calibre of people that we have recruited from courses run by WLD has been high and we are delighted to work with this organisation which provides training opportunities to people.’
Michael Corcoran, Bluebird Care (Wexford)
‘WLD is extremely grateful to all local employers who have supported our clients in any way’
Fran Gleeson, Employer Liaison Officer, Wexford Local Development o The Maldron Hotel o Clayton Whites o Irish National Heritage Park o Trimmers Lane Café o Button & Spoon o Kellys Hotel o The Red Door o Wexford Arts Centre o Chevron Training These above employers agreed to facilitate work placements for First Steps, and representatives of Bluebird Care and Bank of Ireland had input on the programme.
Employers who linked regarding WLD Healthcare Courses, including: • HomeInstead • Bluebird Care Students on the Healthcare courses were supported by: • Knockeen Nursing Home • Kerlogue Nursing • Oakfield Nursing Home, Gorey • St. Aidan’s, Gorey • Castle Gardens Enniscorthy • Valencia Nursing Home, Camolin • Millhouse Care Centre, New Ross • Lawson House • New Haughton Hospital, New Ross • HSE WLD has forged links with employers in other sectors this year, and these employers provided placements for WLD clients looking for work experience:
Wm Gaynor & Sons, The Riverbank House Hotel, Empress Boutique, The Talbot Hotel, REACH Shop, Pettitts SuperValu, Ferrycarrig Hotel and WCC.