Cork College of FET- Bishopstown Campus and the Department of Social Protection had a Lunch and Learn event in the beautiful surrounds of the Celtic Ross Hotel Rosscarbery to engage with local business on the Government supports that are available to assist staff recruitment, onboarding of new staff and upskilling of existing staff.
There are a range of supports available from Cork College of FET to help businesses to upskill and reskill workers.
Generation Apprenticeship offers over 70 training opportunities to upskill and reskill new and existing staff across a range of areas including electrical, logistics and distribution engineering hospitality and many more. All training costs are covered by the state and employer grants are available for businesses who take on apprentices.
Skills to Advance is the SOLAS fund which provides subsidised upskilling for companies and those in employment. Courses are heavily subsidised and allow employees to reskill at little or no cost.
Speaking on the day, Mary Manning Assistant Manager at Cork College of FET- Bishopstown Campus acknowledged those in attendance, saying “. I want to thank the Businesses that have taken the time to come meet with us today. We welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively with you and our Colleagues in the Department of Social Protection to Boost your Business in terms of recruitment, onboarding new staff and staff retention.”.
She acknowledged that it is a challenging time for many businesses and commented on how few people know of the range of Government supports that can help businesses thrive, from employment grants to apprenticeships through to upskilling / re -skilling opportunities that can be tailored to the needs of business.
On behalf of The Department of Social Protection, Intreo Employer Relations, Principal Officer, Siobhan Lawlor acknowledged the success of the event by saying that “We hope that employers in attendance will see the benefits of engaging with both INTREO and Cork College of FET services and supports. We look forward to supporting the local business community during times of challenge and of growth.
The Department under the Pathways to Work Strategy sets out how the State will deliver vital employment support to the unemployed. Under this strategy opportunities to secure paid work experience, to take up further education and training places and to pursue self-employment will be provided. Working in tandem with the strategy will be Intreo supports and service to employers because the services delivered by Intreo have to work not just for jobseekers but also for employers themselves.