Mallow set to host healthcare jobs workshop

ANYONE contemplating a career within the healthcare sector will be interested in a free information workshop taking place at the Gilbert Centre in Mallow on Thursday, March 28.

The event – which is held under the umbrella of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s (DEASP) ‘National Jobs Week’ initiative – will run from 11am to 1.30pm and is being organised by the north Cork Employment Support Team.

Mallow-based case officer Jacqueline Dilworth said the combination of Ireland’s ageing population and improvements in medical interventions across all age groups has seen a growing demand for healthcare workers.

She said the workshop will offer people the chance to learn about training and employment options for a wide variety of roles including home helps; residential and social care workers, porters/orderlies; and paramedics.

“These roles are open to men and women, recent school leavers and those who may have left formal education many years ago,” said Jacqueline.

She said that employers’ representatives will be at the workshop, which will also feature testimonials from people already training and working within the sector.

“They will tell their stories, the highs and lows, the challenges and the rewards,” said Jacqueline.

“There will be talks from three local employers about the skills required, what they want from employees and the types of interview and assessment processes people can expect to go through.

“The event will be an invaluable insight into the sector for both people who have trained already and those who are thinking about healthcare as a career option,” said Jacqueline.

Employment services staff from the DESAP will also be on hand to give details of the income supports, available training, grants and in-work supports.

“It promises to be a very interesting and engaging morning, with the focus very much on healthcare in all its many forms. Those with an interest in a career within the sector are invited to attend the workshop,” said Jacqueline.

For more information about the workshop, contact Employment Service (DEASP), Fairgreen, Mallow on (022) 70946, or email northcorkast@welfare.ie.