Tues. Sept 20th, 2016
The first certificates in a new Enhanced Skills Programme, which will deliver industry specific training, mentoring and job placements to participants, were presented today (Tues Sept 20th) by Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, TD.
The programme, developed by Speedpak Group, a north Dublin based social enterprise and J.P. Morgan Chase bank, will deliver training and jobs for 30 long-term unemployed people in Dublin over the next twelve months.
Those participating will receive a range of accreditations, including manual handling, forklift driving and safe pass certificates. A core element involves developing increased relationships with local businesses and industry partnerships with .job placements following graduation.
Presenting the Certificates to the first seven graduates, Minister Bruton said the Enhanced Skills Programme complements the government’s Action Plan for Education, published last week, which aims to ‘to achieve the best education and training system in Europe
over the next decade.’
“I believe it is crucial that we set the highest ambitions for our education and training service, and ensure that every person has an opportunity to fulfill their potential. This initiative by Speedpak, which involves a number of local northside companies, is working to equip learners of all ages and capacities to participate and succeed fully in the workplace.”
According to Speedpak CEO, John P. Murphy, the initiative represents a further advance in Speedpak’s policy of delivering supports and jobs to the local community.
“The Enhanced Skills Programme will provide participants with far greater career path and promotion options in the market place. We aim to place 80% of participants in either paid employment or in advanced industry training, with at least two-thirds placed in paid employment immediately after graduation.”
The initiative is part of a global philanthropic investment of JPMorgan Chase of US$200 million each year to boost economic growth and expand economic opportunity for those being left behind in today’s economy. J.P. Morgan operates branches in Dublin city centre and on Dublin’s northside.
According to Carin Bryans, Senior Country Officer Ireland, JP Morgan Chase “We are delighted to launch this initiative with Speedpak to ensure that local people are trained and competitive for the skilled jobs of the 21st century. In Ireland, persistently high unemployment among young people without university degrees, and the high incidence of long-term unemployment are at the focus of our efforts. We are committed to mobilizing our global resources and expertise, to create pathways for people to gain the skills they need to compete in the labour market.”
Speedpak, which celebrates 21 years in operation this year, already provides QQI approved training and on-site employment for up to 70 people annually who have been outside the workforce for various reasons. Founded by Northside Partnership, the company has developed a range of links with many northside based businesses and organisations as well as Dublin City University and Colaiste Dhulaigh CFE. The Dept. of Social Protection and POBAL contracts the Company to provide labour market and community services programmes.
“We place a high priority on engaging with local business as potential recruiters and to ensure that our courses deliver the training that will fit the specific needs of both business and course participants,” John P Murphy said.
