Jobs Club event is held locally

MEMBERS of Northside Partnership’s Greendale Jobs Club in Kilbarrack were given the opportunity to put their newly acquired jobseeking skills to good use as part of a speed networking session with local employers who are actively hiring.

These included Aramark, Stacks Pharmacy, Swissport, Butlers, All in Care and Noel Recruitment.

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 Kathy Sharkey, from Swissport, on what employers look for in a CV and while attending interviews.

One of those who spoke at the event was Lisa Witter.

“I was made redundant in November 2010 and following that I decided to pursue a new qualification in Killester College in 2011 to enable me to work as a special needs assistant,

? said Ms Witter.

“However, due to changes in the education system, I couldn’t find work in the field and I needed something to get me back on track.

“The offer to take part in Greendale Jobs Club came at just the right time.

“Taking part in the two-week course helped me to make 12 new friends but also to learn about what’s important when preparing a CV and cover letter.

?

Ms Witter said she also enjoyed the self-awareness and mindfulness sessions.

“With renewed confidence after taking part in the Jobs Club, I made contact with people about doing two extra modules that will enable me to work in homecare,

? she added.

RTE presenter Claire Byrne also spoke at the event. After listening to stories from the Jobs Club participants, she then shared her own story of how she came to achieve her dream of working with RTE.

“I’ve been lucky,

? she told those in attendance.

“I’ve always known what I wanted to do. That’s what Jackie [Rynn, Greendale Jobs Club coordinator) and the team) Sonya Cooke and the Local Employment Service meditators) here are good at – helping you to focus and decide what you want to do.

?

Greendale Jobs Club is part of a suite of services offered by Northside Partnership’s Local Employment Service to support people who are looking for work in its catchment area.

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.

So far in 2015, 115 people have taken part in the programme with 35 per cent progressing into full-time employment, work placements or further education. and training.