Fermanagh District Council Employability Project

Background Lack of highly skilled job opportunities “low wage” economy Lack of public sector jobs in the area Lack of large employers in area Leading to Loss of well qualified people from the area.

Council already offered a range of opportunities for people in education Work experience Paid work placement Unpaid work placement Internships But nothing offered for graduates/school leavers

Aim of the Employability Project Pilot Offer paid employment Target recent school leavers Offer a range of job opportunities Give experience to improve employability (6 months)

Range of opportunities offered Construction Site supervisor Technical Support Events/Sports Development Corporate Services Finance Town Warden

Practicalities Funding - Council - DEL through Steps to Work In conjunction with Jobs and Benefits Office Public advertisement Normal recruitment process

During the programme candidates were given:- Full induction Training plan Nominated workplace mentor Interview skills training Help/advice and assistance with job applications

Advantages For the Council:- Highly motivated employees Additional support to compliment existing workforce Access to the most up to date knowledge/skills Enabled the piloting on new positions Increased our capacity to respond to demands (G8!) Retention of skilled people in the area for six months

Advantages For the Employee:- Valuable work experience to compliment their education Relevant training Improve their employability Allows the opportunity to try different areas of work/employers

Disadvantages Cost Requires commitment to induct, train and support participants No guarantee of job at the end People who are underemployed could not apply

Feedback/Evaluation 3 participants have secured temporary positions with the Council 1 participant has went to Australia for work 2 participants have secured other employment in the area 2 are still actively seeking employment

Future Plans Looking at a menu of options Skills Development Programme Steps to work tasters/work experience Graduate programme A new Employability scheme