New Back to Work Programme Hits the Ground Running in Cork

24th September 2010

The ICBE Begin Again™ programme is being offered by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE) under the Labour Market Activation Fund, operated by the Department of Education and Skills.

At the core of this programme is work experience. Companies can take on an experienced and qualified individual who is on the Live Register for a minimum of 3 months, for 12 weeks directed work placement experience. The individual placed in the company retains their Social Welfare benefits, while gaining valuable experience and furthering their career and networking activities. To ensure both the company and the individual maximise this opportunity, both mentoring support and training will be provided. It’s a win-win for both the business and the unemployed individual.

The ICBE Begin Again™ programme has identified immediate directed work placement opportunities, for unemployed people in the Cork area, in multiple areas of expertise, such as Office Administration; Research for funding for a video for a not-for-profit organisation; Sales & Marketing; Cost Accounting and IT Skills/Web Design/Sales. New directed work placements are being added on a daily basis. So, if you are unemployed and want to get back into a working environment, doing something at which you excel, then the ICBE Begin Again™ is the programme for you.

“I have found the ICBE Begin Again™ programme very good all round. The training stands up for itself, as a very useful process, especially knowing how to deal with people of different personality types, that I would never have thought of before. The placement is giving me an opportunity to try something new and giving me the space and time to get the most out of the experience for my own future career.”
Paul Kelly (Applicant)

“The ICBE Begin Again™ programme is one I would highly recommend. Since becoming a member I have been consistently updated and considered for positions that suit my skills. The friendly, professional and thorough approach has filled me with a renewed confidence and sense of purpose. While no guarantees are secured in life, this programme is sure to lift the spirits. It must be said that the feeling of being looked after and respected is very strong in this company. Long may it continue.’’
Kevin Cassidy (Applicant)

“The ICBE Begin Again™ programme has given me an opportunity to reassess the way I approach the working environment and my role in it. Sharing the experience with other people in similar situations has replaced that sense of community that one gets in the work place. The confidence and hope that I have gained and the encouragement and support from everyone on the programme, and from an employer who wants to give back to the community, has definitely made me feel like I am on the path to a future I can look forward to!”
Sonja Stevens (Applicant)

The ICBE Begin Again™ programme is having a huge impact for participants – of the sixty four people who are taking part in the programme, since it started in late July, twelve have either secured new jobs or have secured extended contracts with the company where they commenced the directed work placement.

‘I still can’t get over how simple, straightforward, cost-effective, efficient and most importantly relevant the ICBE Begin Again™ programme is. We had a real need for work on our website photography that was fulfilled by the programme, with a turnaround of less than a week.’’
Peter Boland, MD, Cases Wine Warehouse: (Host Company)

As Pat O’Connor, CEO of ICBE explains: “The ICBE Begin Again™ programme is working because the applicant selects the company and the directed work placement that works best for him/her. When the right match is made, the opportunity for a long term working arrangement is greatly enhanced. The ICBE Begin Again™ programme is tapping into and providing a focused outlet for the wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm that exists amongst currently unemployed people, who are looking to get back into the work place.’’

So, if you are unemployed, and on the Live Register for at least 3 months, then you are invited to attend two half day introductory sessions that will help you get ready for participating on the ICBE Begin Again™ programme. There is no charge to participate in these sessions or on the ICBE Begin Again™ programme itself.

Venue for the two half day introductory sessions for unemployed people:
The Rubicon Centre (Seminar Room), Cork Institute of Technology Campus, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork
Dates & Times: Tues, Sept 28 (2pm-5pm) & Wed, Oct 6 (9.30am-12.30pm), 2010.

To book your place at these sessions please contact:
Yvette or Mary on: Tel: 091- 9122600

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