The IRD Duhallow WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is designed to create inclusive employment opportunities for individuals who face significant barriers to entering the workforce. Co-financed by the EU Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the Department of Social Protection (DSP), this programme embodies a commitment to social inclusion and equal employment opportunities in Ireland.
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The core objective of IRD Duhallow’s WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme is to enhance the employability and encourage people to become more active members of their communities. The programme supports individuals from marginalised groups, including those with disabilities and mental ill health, and those experiencing social exclusion. By addressing the specific needs of these groups, the programme aims to facilitate their integration into the labour market, education, training and communities thus promoting economic independence and social inclusion.
Key Features and Components
Tailored Training and Development: A person-centred approach underpins all aspects of the programme with training and development plans tailored to the needs of each participant. This includes vocational training, soft skills development, and industry-specific certifications. The training modules are designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the modern job market as well as developing their personal skills.
Personalised Supports: Each participant receives one-on-one guidance throughout their time on the programme. This personalised support includes creating and reviewing personal progression plans, career guidance, CV workshops, interview preparation, and ongoing mentoring.
Collaboration with Employers: Collaboration and partnership are essential strategies for increasing employers’ engagement in providing paid work or placements for people with disabilities. Building and strengthening effective partnerships will help create a more inclusive workforce and open up opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Employers are encouraged to adopt inclusive hiring practices and provide reasonable accommodations to employees with diverse needs. This collaboration not only helps in placing participants into suitable job roles but also raises awareness about the benefits of a diverse workforce.
Work Experience and Placements: Participants have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through placements with partner employers. These placements are crucial in building participants’ confidence, enhancing their CV’s, and providing them with valuable insights into workplace dynamics.
Supportive Services: Recognising that barriers to education, training and employment often extend beyond skills gaps, the development of soft skills are crucial. These holistic supports are essential in addressing the broader challenges that participants may face; this is done through a variety of activities like confidence-building activities, creative arts, relationships and sexual health workshops, exercise and nutrition classes, public speaking and presentation skills, to name a few.
To find out more information or to sign up please contact Bríghid-Íde Walsh at brighid-ide.walsh@irdduhallow.com or call 02960633
