A new nationwide work placement programme is aiming to get experienced, professional individuals back into the workforce.
Begin Again, which was developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE), is offering 200 12-week work placements opportunities throughout the country.
Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, operated by the Department of Education and Skills, the programme aims to match individuals’ expertise with industry gaps and opportunities, giving participants the chance to meet with a number of possible companies and gain additional experience and training. Participants must have been in receipt of unemployment assistance for a period of three months, and can claim social welfare benefits during the work placement.
More than 400 companies have already signed up to provide work placements, including Boston Scientific, SuperMacs and SR Technics.
“Over the last two years, the ICBE through its membership has seen the impact of the global recession and the loss of thousands of highly qualified and experienced people,” said ICBE chief executive Pat O’Connor.
“We are very conscious of this pool of talent and wanted to find a way to get these individuals back into the workforce and back making a valuable contribution to Ireland Inc.”
Further information on the programme is available from www.beginagain.ie or on 061 371753.
