Local jobseekers attend Greendale networking event

THIRTY graduates from Northside Partnership’s Greendale Jobs Club recently attended a celebration and networking day in Kilbarrack.

At the

‘Changing Times – Sense of Optimism’ event, the jobseekers received certificates from Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Christy Burke, to celebrate the completion of their two-week programme.

The graduates were given the opportunity to put their newly acquired jobseeking and networking skills to good use as part of a speed networking session with five local employers who are actively hiring, including Wright’s, Northside Homecare Services, UNICEF, Skillsnet and Excel Aviation.

Attendees also had the opportunity to hear talks from motivational speakers including Jim Nolan, from the IE Network, on keeping motivated and focussed while jobseeking, past Jobs Club participants who are now working and Martin Byrne, from local company Dimpco, on what employers look for in a CV.

Greendale Jobs Club is part of a suite of services offered by Northside Partnership’s Local Employment Service (LES) to support people who are looking for work in north east Dublin.
Participants sign up to a two-week programme which provides a mixture of group and one-to-one supports designed to help jobseekers with their motivation, CV preparation, interview techniques and communication skills.

In 2014, to date, 315 people have taken part in the two-week programme with 80 progressing into full-time employment, work placements or further education and training.
Several past graduates spoke at the event including Mark Gaffney (26) who had been out of work for two years before taking part in the Greendale Jobs Club.

Having finished his Leaving Certificate and left school just before the recession began to take hold, he found it hard to get factory work and had gotten into a rut where he didn’t even

“feel like looking anymore

?.

Speaking at the event, Mr Gaffney described the huge impact which taking part in the Jobs Club had for him.

“The CV preparation was very useful and now I know how to do my own,

? he said.

“The best thing however was the motivational talks. There was one talk from Jim Nolan, from the IE Network, about how you need to keep trying and keep networking if you want to do something.

“It really made me want to pick something and get stuck into it. I always enjoyed cooking so I decided to go for this instead of applying for factory work which I had been doing before.

“Instead I applied to a local community centre where I am now working part-time in the restaurant and at the same time I am also doing a part-time FETAC Level 4 catering course in Coláiste Íde in Finglas.

?

Mr Gaffney added:

“I can honestly say that without taking part in Greendale Jobs Club, I wouldn’t have been half as motivated and would still be in a rut and not doing anything.

?

Greendale Jobs Club Coordinator Jackie Rynn said:

“It was great to hear from those past participants who have already found work and we wish those that are still searching for work the best of luck.

“Their stories show what we already know – that people want to work in meaningful jobs and when given enough supports and opportunities that they can and will find appropriate and sustainable work.

?