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Are you doing your Leaving Cert or have previously completed it and don&#39;t yet have a Degree? You may want to apply for the Central Bank of Ireland&#39;s Scholarship Programme. Applications open until 28th June 2019 so you have plenty of time to apply. Earn €26,470 and complete a fully funded Part Time BA (Hons) Degree in Business Studies or a BA (Hons) Degree in Accounting and Finance. They are looking for people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate, energetic and driven to achieve their career goals.These courses will commence on 16 September 2019. Information from Central Bank of Ireland;Make an Impact, Grow Your CareerOur Scholarship Programme, in partnership with Griffith College, is designed to identify and nurture talent and to support motivated individuals to start a career while pursuing further education.We will provide the environment where you can: <ul><li>Undertake a fully funded part-time honours degree</li><li>Grow your career</li><li>Gain experience and invest in yourself.</li></ul>The backbone of our culture is the friendliness, helpfulness and dedication of our people – they are our greatest asset. Would you like to make an impact and grow your career with us?Our Scholarship ProgrammeWe are offering successful candidates a four-year employment contract and, in partnership with Griffith College, a place on one of these three-year part-time degree courses:<ul><li>BA (Hons) in Business Studies</li><li>BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance </li></ul>These courses will commence on 16 September 2019.Successful applicants will work full time at Central Bank while completing their studies at Griffith College on a part-time basis. Candidates will be placed in suitable roles across a range of business areas and will work on projects that contribute to the financial stability of the economy and the protection of consumers.Learning JourneyAs a member of the Scholarship Programme, you can expect:<ul><li>A comprehensive induction to enable you to develop your technical competencies and relevant soft skills</li><li>Career development guidance with the allocation of a mentor, a dedicated HR representative and committed manager for the duration of the programme</li><li>A supportive performance management system</li><li>State-of-the-art in-house training facilities and study spaces.</li></ul>BenefitsOn the Scholarship Programme, you can expect:<ul><ul><li>A competitive salary (c. €26,470)</li><li>24 days’ annual leave</li><li>Excellent personal development and training opportunities</li><li>Educational assistance and paid study leave</li><li>Flexible working hours and excellent work-life balance</li><li>Defined benefit pension scheme</li><li>Great sports and social opportunities</li><li>A growing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme</li><li>Employee wellness programmes</li><li>Subsidised staff restaurant</li><li>TaxSaver commuter ticket scheme</li><li>Cycle to Work scheme.What We’re Looking For</li></ul></ul>If you have these skills and attributes, we want to hear from you:<ul><ul><ul><li>You are driven, motivated and a self-starter.</li><li>You want to learn.</li><li>You have recently completed your Leaving Certificate and have attained, or expect to attain in the current academic year, a minimum of two honour grades (H5s), and a minimum of four ordinary level grades (O6), including a minimum O6 in ordinary level Maths and a minimum O6 in an ordinary level language. This can be English, Irish or another language.</li></ul></ul></ul>If you have previous working experience or have completed an internship within financial services or a related area, that’s great. However, it is by no means a requirement.ApplyDo you think you are a good fit for the Central Bank? Are we a good fit for you? Are you ready to make an impact and grow your career while undertaking a fully funded part-time honours degree? If you are nodding “Yes” to these questions, we want to hear from you.Apply now for a place on this Scholarship Programme in partnership with Griffith College.As part of your application, you will be asked to submit your CV and describe some of your achievements and your motivations in applying for the Scholarship Programme.Closing date: 28 June 2019Please note: Applicants must not currently hold a third level qualification. Once the closing date has passed, we will begin our shortlisting process and be in touch with you in due course.Equal OpportunitiesCentral Bank of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applications from a diverse mix of candidates. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY; <a href="https://www.centralbank.ie/careers/scholarship-programme-2019-2020?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=CBI-Careers&amp;utm_campaign=scholarship-2019&amp;utm_content=43620">https://www.centralbank.ie/careers/scholarship-programme-2019-2020?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=CBI-Careers&amp;utm_campaign=scholarship-2019&amp;utm_content=43620</a>

LAST CALL!! Central Bank of Ireland Degree Scholarship Programme

Carl O&#39;Brien, Education Editor
It is estimated that by 2020 Ireland will have more than 70 different apprenticeships on offer, with awards ranging from certificate to PhD level. The number of school-leavers choosing apprenticeships has almost doubled in recent years as rising numbers of pupils look towards “earn and learn” options.The current apprenticeship population now stands at 16,000, almost double the 8,300 in apprenticeships in 2015.While the bulk of the numbers remain in traditional craft areas, new apprenticeships offer school-leavers a chance to get a degree while working in white-collar sectors ranging from accounting to auctioneering and insurance to ICT.A range of new options are due to be rolled out this year in areas ranging from engineering to wind turbine maintenance and hairdressing.The Government is due to announce capital funding of more than €7.5 million for nine institutes of technology and Technological University Dublin to help expanding and modernising apprenticeship options over the coming years.Minister for Education Joe McHugh said ensuring young people and those retraining have access to cutting-edge equipment and the latest thinking on sustainability was key to further developing this increasingly popular option.“Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities, and I would encourage any person looking at their career options, especially students preparing to sit exams this week, to strongly consider the many benefits of apprenticeship.The funding will support the roll out of new apprenticeships in plumbing, carpentry, electrical, brickwork, motor painting and decorating, vehicle body repair, fitting, toolmaking and wood manufacturing and finishing.<h4>Third level</h4>The Government is aiming to increase the numbers choosing “earn and learn” options to one in five school-leavers over the coming years. Ireland still has one of the highest proportions of school-leavers progressing to third level in the world, and one of the lowest proportions opting for apprenticeships.Numbers choosing apprenticeships are growing, however, and have recovered from a dramatic fall-off during the economic downturn.Mr McHugh said the new funding would enable colleges to provide apprentices with training in the most up-to-date techniques, including sustainable and renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy and energy efficient construction methods and materials.Some 6,500 apprentices are expected to undertake training in an institute of technology or Technological University Dublin in 2019. It is estimated that by 2020 Ireland will have more than 70 different apprenticeships on offer, with awards ranging from certificate to PhD level.Apprenticeships are programmes of structured education and training which combine learning in the workplace with learning in an education and training institution. They are typically between two and four years long, and participants are paid for the duration of their programme.Learners tend to earn between between €11,000 and €32,000 a year for the duration of their apprenticeship depending on the nature and length of the programme.<h4>Options</h4>A recent survey indicates that most young people would consider taking an “earn and learn” apprenticeship as an alternative to the more expensive option of college. However, only a minority – 18 per cent – believe there are currently enough apprenticeship options available to choose from.The research, commissioned by the Insurance Institute and undertaken by Empathy Research, surveyed about 300 young adults on their perceptions of apprenticeships.The findings also show that just over half of parents would encourage their child to undertake an apprenticeship.While third level remains the most popular option, parents stated that the cost and affordability of college was their main worry, with job prospects also a concern with regards to their children’s third-level education.<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/number-of-school-leavers-going-for-apprenticeships-doubles-1.3912758">Original Source here.</a>

Number of school-leavers going for apprenticeships doubles

By Claire Murphy WOMEN and recent retirees are now being targeted for heavy plant machinery construction jobs as the building boom continues unabated.With all building activity in Ireland up 10.1pc year on year, industry experts have said that there is a crisis in recruitment for machine operators – with an estimated 1,500 vacancies in the sector.Niamh Hamrock and she is the CQMS Event Organiser (CQMS is where women can go and try out the simulator machine). Pics are repro free and by Lorraine OSullivan Photography.Brian Coogan of the Construction and Quarry Machinery Show said that technology has developed so quickly that muscle and brawn are not necessary attributes for the job.“One manager rang me in sheer desperation that he can’t get anyone to fill a particular role. With a salary of €50,000+ he couldn’t understand it. I told him to start thinking outside the box, stop looking at young, male candidates as his only option, to start looking at recruiting female candidates,” he told independent.ie.“I don’t believe carrying bricks or blocks is beyond the scope of women.“But (plant operator jobs) are not so much about strength, it’s about capability and ability to understand technology.“The job is not defined by whether the candidate is male/female, old/young.“I know of a windfarm in Kerry, where they employed a man aged 71-years-old on a 21 tonne digger.“Another man in a quarry in Wicklow is in his 80s, driving a machine.”Mr Coogan said that more Irish firms are looking to the example set by the likes of Western Australia, and fill traditionally ‘male roles’ with female candidates.“In Western Australia, they couldn’t get enough people to work in the mines, where there was great money – up to $2,000 a week. A lot of young girls, in their late teens and early 20s, applied for jobs.“They found that the female employees took better care of the equipment, were much more responsible. This is very important in terms of an asset that is worth hundreds of thousands of euro.“It’s more about the technology than the grunt of lifting heavy machines,” he added.Mr Coogan said that they will have a simulator in situ at an event in Punchestown, Co Kildare between June 21 to 22.The CQMS show – which will feature talks from Construction Industry Federation Tom Parlon and economist Jim Power - will offer buyers and sellers an opportunity to see the latest equipment from Irish dealers, distributors and manufacturers as well as connect potential employees with employers.<a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/women-and-retirees-now-being-targeted-for-heavy-plant-machinery-construction-jobs-38174633.html">Original Source here.</a>

Women and retirees now being targeted for heavy machinery construction jobs

<h3>The North Wall Community Development Project (CDP) are running a 10 month full time Sports course commencing on June 10th and are looking for participants.</h3>Gain a QQI Level 4 Major Award in Sport &amp; Recreation through the course that runs Monday to Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm (Half-day every Friday).Participants will attend Sports related class and train daily in the hope of progressing into a Career in Sport.The 44 week course will consist of 8 Sport Related modules. Along with the education aspect of the course, participants will train every day in a variety of sports and face regular fitness tests &amp; challenges. Daily training sessions including Football, Basketball, Gym, Kayaking, Water polo, Cycling, Mountain Climbing, Gaelic football, Rugby, HockeyTrainees will receive a weekly training allowanceContact Gerry: 083 - 303 27 54or Amy on (085) 812 3889 or email hello@nwcdp.ieTrain every day ✔️Gain great Qualifications ✔️Achieve a QQI Level 4 Award ✔️Get paid every week ✔️Get really fit ✔️Gain full time employment ✔️Progress to 3rd level education ✔️

Gain a QQI Level 4 Major Award in Sport & Recreation

In a press release today, the Irish Government have announced a further €7.5 million to support Apprenticeship / Earn as you learn Programmes. This brings the total capital funding allocated to support the modernising of craft apprenticeship programmes in the sector since 2017 to more than €23 million. This is particularly great news for students who are just about to start their Junior &amp; Leaving certificates this week.At JobAlert.ie we&#39;re great advocates of the Apprenticeship / Earn as you Learn options and we&#39;re delighted to see that there has been an 80% increase in registrations between 2015 and 2018. We are however receiving feedback from our followers, that they&#39;re having difficulty finding suitable vacancies once they have made up their mind to pursue an Apprenticeship. So Employers, If you currently have an apprenticeship vacancy (for 1st Year Apprenticeships) please contact JobAlert.ie on info@jobalert.ie and we will advertise your vacancies for free right now! Press Release; 03 June, 2019 - Government announces €7.5 million capital funding to support Apprenticeship Programmes. Focus on new technologies, sustainable methods and materials and modernising traditional craftThe Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D., together with the Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. and Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation and Research and Development John Halligan T.D. today announced capital funding of more than €7.5 million for nine Institutes of Technology and the Technological University (TU) Dublin.The funding forms part of the Government’s commitment, under Project Ireland 2040, to increase investment in higher and further education and training and to the modernisation of equipment available for craft apprenticeship provision.Minister McHugh said: “The Government is deeply committed to expanding the apprenticeship system and this investment reaffirms that. Ensuring that our young people and those retraining have access to cutting edge equipment and the latest thinking on sustainability is key to further developing this increasingly-popular option for training and progression.“There was an 80% increase in apprenticeship registrations between 2015 and 2018. This €7.5m funding will enable Institutes of Technology and TU Dublin to purchase new equipment and update their infrastructure.“Apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities and I would encourage any person looking at their career options, especially students preparing to sit exams this week, to strongly consider the many benefits of apprenticeship.”Today’s announcement brings the total capital funding allocated to support the modernising of craft apprenticeship programmes in the sector since 2017 to more than €23 million.It is being provided by the Department of Education and Skills through the Higher Education Authority (HEA).This funding will support the roll-out of new syllabi for apprenticeships in Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Brickwork, Motor Painting and Decorating, Vehicle Body Repair, Fitting, Toolmaking and Wood Manufacturing and Finishing.It will enable Institutes of Technology and TU Dublin to provide apprentices with training in the most up to date techniques, including sustainable and renewable technologies such as solar and wind energy and energy efficient construction methods and materials.The equipment needs have been identified by the HEA, in conjunction with SOLAS. 6,500 apprentices are expected to undertake training in an Institute of Technology or TU Dublin in 2019.Minister Mitchell O’Connor said: “I am delighted that over €7.5 million is being invested to support the modernisation of the syllabi and to purchase new equipment for our apprenticeship programmes in our IoTs and TU Dublin. It will ensure that our apprenticeships have the best possible experience, keep pace with new methods and technologies in the workplace and are trained to the highest level possible.”Minister Halligan said: “This Government is committed to more than doubling the number of new apprentices registered and the number of apprenticeships on offer over the lifetime of the Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship. Budget 2019 allocated €142m for apprenticeship training, an increase of over 16% on the previous year. This will allow for the delivery of 10 more apprenticeship programmes and over 7,000 new apprenticeship registrations in 2019 alone.”Notes for Editors:The breakdown of how the €7.5m is allocated across Institutes of Technology and TU Dublin and across apprenticeships is set out in the table in this link: <a href="https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2019-press-releases/PR19-06-03.html">https://www.education.ie/en/Press-Events/Press-Releases/2019-press-releases/PR19-06-03.html</a>ApprenticeshipApprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the workplace with learning in an education and training institution. An apprenticeship prepares participants for a specific occupation and leads to a qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications. Since the 1970s it is estimated that over 105,000 apprentices have been trained in Ireland. The current apprenticeship population now stands at 16,000.Building on the Programme for Government, the Action Plan for Education contains a commitment to enroll 31,000 people on apprenticeship programmes in the period 2016-2020. The Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship in Ireland 2016-2020 sets out a series of detailed actions and annual targets to enable the Action Plan for Education commitments to be met. In 2018, 5,648 new apprentices were registered.To date, following the Apprenticeship Council’s two calls for proposals in 2015 and 2017, 20 new consortia led apprenticeship programmes have been developed. These new programmes span a variety of sectors ranging from financial services and ICT to hospitality. Further new apprenticeships are due to get underway in 2019 and 2020 in various areas including construction, engineering and hairdressing.More articles from JobAlert.ie about Apprenticeships;Leaving Cert, Degree or Apprenticeship?<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/leaving-cert-degree-or-apprenticeship">https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/leaving-cert-degree-or-apprenticeship</a>Bar Manager’s Degree Apprenticeship<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/bar-manager-s-degree-apprenticeship">https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/bar-manager-s-degree-apprenticeship</a>FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/fit-cybersecurity-apprenticeship">https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/fit-cybersecurity-apprenticeship</a>Search Jobs here; <a href="www.jobalert.ie">www.jobalert.ie</a>*Terms &amp; Conditions for free Ads, The Apprenticeship Vacancy must be for a 1st year Apprentice and Ads must be placed before 13th August 2019 when the Leaving Cert Results will be released. 1 Free Ad per Client/Company <h1></h1>

Students urged to consider Apprenticeships as a Career Choice

Director & Ideation Manager

Pamela Doyle

A new survey shows that 57% of office workers here believe that a four-day working week is likely in the near future as technology makes work practices more efficient.The study, by technology company Ricoh, also found that Irish employers are lagging behind their UK counterparts in facilitating flexible working options for employees. Only 41% of Irish workers who were surveyed felt that their employer frequently adapts working practices to their needs, in comparison to 54% of their UK counterparts.This sentiment is felt across all generations of the workforce in Ireland with less than half of workers agreeing that their employers are doing enough to keep up with evolving employee needs. Today&#39;s study also found that 43% of Irish workers expect all or part of their roles to be automated within the next five years as a result of technological advancements.It also revealed that salary, flexible working hours, learning opportunities and a work-life balance are the top priorities for workers when looking for a job.Chas Moloney, director at Ricoh Ireland &amp; UK, said the concept of the traditional workplace has changed significantly in recent years. &quot;Interest in and appetite for a four-day work week is growing - people want to work less hours but be more effective and productive with the time they spend working,&quot; Mr Moloney stated.He said it was &quot;very disappointing&quot; that Irish business leaders are not recognising this trend and adopting more flexible ways of working to motivate, encourage and retain staff. &quot;A happier workforce often equates to increased employee productivity, business performance and company growth,&quot; he added.He said that if Irish business leaders are to succeed and make the concept of the four-day work week a reality, they need to enable individual workstyles with the right technologies and agile approaches. &quot;Otherwise, they could find themselves struggling to attract, keep and empower people,&quot; Mr Moloney cautioned.The research, commissioned by Ricoh Europe and conducted by Coleman Parkes, involved 4,580 office workers from across 24 countries, including 150 from Ireland.Looking across the Seas....Until 1908, US workers worked six days a week. All of that changed when a New England mill was the first to give it&#39;s employees Saturday off, allowing their Jewish workers the ability to observe their Sabbath. The five day work week continued to grow in popularity through 1926, when Ford became the first major employer to adopt the schedule. From then on, the five day work week became a standard.The five day work week is supposed to consist of eight hour days, ultimately creating the 40 hour week for full-time employees. However, more than 50%of those full-time employees spend more than 40 hours per week at the office. Most U.S. employees are known to waste time while at work. Many millennials even refuse to leave the office, despite being done with their work and hitting 40 hours, out of fear of being seen as replaceable. Which is why the trend of millennial work martyrs continues to grow. Despite the advice from the experts on the importance of prioritizing relationships or vacation days, most U.S. employees continue to spend too many hours chained to their desks. All that time on the job, also comes with a host of dangers to one’s health. According to several studies rounded up by Investment Zen, people who are overworked have a 33% increased risk of stroke, double the chances of suffering from depression and anxiety, 112% increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, and 13% increase in heart problems. Begging the question, do employees really need five days chained to their desk to get the job done?Licensed clinical social worker, Sarah Herstich, shares “an adult’s attention span lasts from 15-45 minutes.” Employees need breaks throughout the day and the week to maintain productivity and re-engage while at work. Otherwise, employees begin to develop bad habits to waste time. The average employee checks their inbox 36 times in an hour. Furthermore, employees waste about 31 hours per month in unproductive meetings. Sitting in a meeting may not seem like someone is developing a bad habit, but often times during those meetings employees spend the majority of their time daydreaming or complaining. These unproductive habits have been known to spill into normally productive hours, which could be why more and more companies are adapting shorter work weeks.The reality is, taking a day out of the office doesn’t just benefit the employees, it benefits the company as well. The State of Utah implemented a 3-day weekend for state employees. After 10 months, they were able to save $1.8 million in energy costs. Other companies, like San Francisco based startup iBeat, used the 3-day weekend to recruit top talent. The 3-day weekend has also been linked to reducing time off requests by 9% and increased overall productivity. KFC Japan was able to retain more employees, particularly stay at home moms, after implementing a 3 day off initiative. The ability to recruit and retain top talent is a massive cost saver alone.The 3-day weekend is a growing trend in Japan, UK, France, Sweden, and the US. The CEO of Basecamp, Jason Fried said, “better work gets done in four days than in five.” If you or your employer are still hesitant to give the 3-day weekend a try, start slow. For instance, only the first or last Friday of the month. See how things go. Many companies who have implemented a 3 day off initiative, will allow employees to choose either Friday or Monday in to keep the office going five days a week. Get creative with a schedule that benefits everyone.Sources of articles;Forbes &amp; RTE News

57% of Irish office workers believe 4-day working week is on the way

At an event last year as a guest speaker, I spoke about a “barrier to employment” that took me by surprise back in the late 80’s when I left Secretarial College. I was advised by the FAS office to think about taking the ‘Ballymun’ address off my CV and maybe use a relation&#39;s address instead to give myself a better chance at getting an interview. An interview for work experience, I might add considering that we were at almost 17% unemployment at the time. On the bus home from Westmorland Street I was trying to think if I had any Posh Aunties with &quot;nicer address&quot; than mine!I&#39;d hate to think that prejudices like this still exist today, but can only imagine how it feels for a person who has to put a Hotel, B&amp;B or Emergency Accommodation address on their CV or application form if they are looking for a job!We&#39;d be interested to hear what other people have to think or if anyone has experienced this very situation.According to latest figures from the Peter McVerry Trust, the official homeless figures for April show a total of 10,378 people accessed emergency accommodation last month.

Try Putting a Hotel Address on Your CV - Barriers to Employment

An urgent appeal has been issued for teachers to correct Leaving and Junior Cert exam papers with less than a fortnight to go before the examinations begin.Examiners are urgently needed for nine Leaving Cert and 10 Junior Cert subjects in what has become an almost annual emergency.The exams begin on June 5 and recruits have to be ready to provide almost four weeks of full-time work beginning June 11 at the earliest when the first of a series of training sessions take place.Ideally, applicants should be teachers or retired teachers but others with third-level qualifications will be considered. Payment varies depending on the subject, level and length of paper but rates go from just under €5 to over €30 per paper.The State Examinations Commission (SEC) said the rates were being increased by 2% this year and the pension-related deduction, which usually takes 10.5% off, is being scrapped.Subjects with pressing shortages are Leaving Cert Business, French, German, English, geography, Spanish and home economics, and Junior Cert maths, science, Irish, German, Spanish, history, geography, business, home economics, religion and CSPE.But applicants in all other subjects are also being invited to apply to fill vacancies that are likely to arise when other applicants drop out.For more information and to apply visit the State Examinations Commission&#39;s careers page<a href="https://www.examinations.ie/?l=en&amp;mc=re&amp;sc=ei"> here.</a>Source: Irish Examiner 24th May 2019

Urgent appeal issued for teachers to correct Leaving and Junior Cert papers

Male employees of Diageo Ireland will soon be able to avail of 26 weeks fully paid paternity leave.The drinks company says that the new leave policy is part of its efforts to create a fully inclusive and diverse workforce.Its new global policy guarantees all its female workers a minimum of 26 weeks full paid maternity leave.A global minimum standard of four weeks paternity leave is also being set, but in certain markets, including Ireland, 26 weeks fully paid leave will be on offer to new fathers.The leave will have to be taken within the first twelve months of a child’s life.Last month the firm announced that all its employees in the UK would be eligible for the same fully-paid 26 weeks, including benefits and bonuses.Companies are increasingly coming under pressure to improve their policies to make them more family friendly, in order to attract and retain talent.New rules are due to come into effect here later this year, offering parents an extra two weeks’ paid leave at €245 per week during the first year of a child’s life on top of existing entitlements.Parental leave for parents of eligible children will also increase from 18 weeks to 22 weeks from September 2019 and from 22 to 26 weeks from September 2020.The age of children that parents can take parental leave for will also rise from 8 to 12 years of age.The new Diageo Ireland policy kicks in here on the 1st of July and applies to all those working for the firm here, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or how people become parents – via birth, adoption or surrogacy.&quot;Today’s announcement is a significant step for us and shows our commitment to leading the way with progressive employment policies by supporting gender equality in the workplace,&quot; said Oliver Loomes, Diageo Ireland Country Director.<a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0522/1051024-diageo-ireland-to-offer-26-weeks-paid-paternity-leave/?fbclid=IwAR37ktaSoZtYPUj5XcSVmQSaEeNmuk3tAzGigXz-dqdlaVQTOzLD13GirD4">Original source. </a>

Diageo to offer 26 weeks paid maternity and paternity leave

With the release of the latest CSO figures on unemployment rates of 4.6% unemployment, the public have raised some fears in comments on social media across the country.There’s a feeling among some people that the figures have been manipulated by Back to Work, CE, TUS, Jobpath and Back to Education schemes and that real figures for the unemployment rate in Ireland are much higher – raising claims of election propaganda.A lot of people unhappy that although they are working, they’re struggling financially in low paid or part time jobs, while the cost of rents rises, resulting in them having to reluctantly rely on government subsidies to keep a roof over their heads through Housing Assistance Payments.There are also claims that zero hour contracts and precarious working conditions are still providing very little stability, making it difficult for workers to borrow to buy a car to get to work or ever think about getting a mortgage.Concerns also raised that there’s no mention of the number of people who have emigrated in reports.So these are just some of the comments, but definitely some food for thought there. There was however some really positive feedback from people saying that they can now feel comfortable asking for a pay rise and that they can see more opportunities being advertised. Some followers commented on how there&#39;s a noticable increase in traffic conjestion in the mornings, which they feel may be an indicator that yes, more people are working.Hopefully overall the figures are positive – but it’s great to see peoples’ opinions and certainly food for thought as election canvassing continues across the countryIf you&#39;re looking for a job or want to advertise visit www.jobalert.ie

Mixed reaction to release of CSO low unemployment figures

<h2>Ireland is close to full employment as CSO release the latest unemployment rate figures of 4.6% unemployment (April ’19), this is the lowest rate in over 13 years.
</h2>In January 2012, our unemployment rate was at an astonishing 16% following the banking crash, the financial crisis and of course the bailout. These figures would probably have been worse was it not for emigration to the US and Australia.
In the figures released by the CSO they said that in a 3 month period employment jumped by 3.7%, or 81,200 people to bring us to this new 4.6% rate. In the previous quarter there had only been a 2.3% increase.
The results show that the total number of people without a job is 114,400 and marked the 27th quarter in succession where unemployment has declined on an annual basis.
Today&#39;s CSO figures also show that long term unemployment, which refers to those people without a job for one year or more, accounted for 35.7% of total unemployment in the first quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, today&#39;s figures show the total number of people in the labour force in the first quarter of 2019 stood at 2,416,300, an increase of 2.7% over the year. 
The CSO said this compares with an annual labour force increase of 1.4% the same time last year. We like to think we helped a few people :) If you&#39;re looking for a job search here www.jobalert.ie

Ireland close to full employment as CSO release lowest rate in 13 years

<h1></h1><h2>ICONIC TOY STORE FAO SCHWARZ TO OPEN IN DUBLIN IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS</h2>World famous US toy store FAO Schwarz is set to open flagship store in Arnotts later this yearFAO Schwarz at Arnotts will open proudly in October as the second ever location in Europe for the brand.The Arnotts store will embody the ‘Return to Wonder’ theme across the 6,000 sq ft space, offering customers play-based platforms and unique experiences unlike anything currently available in Ireland. FAO Schwarz will house everything that’s loved about the famous brand, including their trademark plush stuffed animals and walk-on piano keyboard – famously featured in the 1988 movie “Big” with Tom Hanks. This wonderland for kids and grown-up kids will also feature a huge selection of toys, plush teddies, robots, remote control cars and countless other games and dolls – including in-store experiences like a build-your-own race car station. Donald McDonald, Managing Director at Brown Thomas and Arnotts, said: “Arnotts is home to the world’s most prestigious, exciting and innovative brands. We are a family focused destination always looking to deliver unique experiences to delight our customers.“The opening of FAO Schwarz will deliver theatre, wonderment and magic to our customers and we are excited to become part of the many memories that will surely be made inside our walls.” Jan-Eric Kloth, COO of the parent company of FAO Schwarz said: “Arnotts is an iconic retail brand that delivers amazing experiences and theatre to its customers therefore this was the perfect place for us to be.“We are pleased to have such a creative and innovative team as our partners for the Arnotts store. FAO Schwarz at Arnotts promises to be an adventure larger-than-life that sparks the imagination in all of us.”They should be recruiting later so we&#39;ll keep you posted as soon as we hear anything.For other jobs available in retail right now check out www.jobalert.ie

FAO Schwarz to open 6,000 sq ft shop at Arnotts

Griffith College is to launch a Bar Manager’s Degree Apprenticeship in 2019. The news comes after the Apprenticeship Council of Ireland approved the course for development earlier this year. The three-year degree has been designed in partnership with the VFI, LVA and the wider industry including Diageo, Heineken and Febvre Wines.According to Michael McNamara, Strategy and Public Affairs Manager with Griffith College, the Bar Manager’s Degree will form part of Minister for Education Richard Bruton’s target of 9,000 new entrants each year in new apprenticeships. “The original idea for the degree came from Limerick VFI member JJ Mulcahy,” he says. “We are now deep in the process of developing the course content and plan to commence the degree in 2019.”“This new degree will give graduates a qualification that’s recognised worldwide,” says VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben. “The apprenticeship model is the perfect blend of ‘hands on’ experience and college work. It’s time bar managers received a qualification like the degree that has been available in hotel management for many years.”The apprenticeship model, which has been so successful in Germany, is very attractive for those who are accepted on the scheme. It is a ‘learn and earn’ model which sees the apprentice paid a full-time salary and allowed study on the job, and be released for lectures one day a week at one of the Griffith College campuses in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.The syllabus and course content has been agreed and developed by the employers, who have designed the Occupational Profile for those attending the proposed three year QQI degree at level 7 on the National Framework on Qualifications. SOLAS working with HEA and QQI are the state agencies involved.If you&#39;re looking for jobs check out www.jobalert.ie

Bar Manager’s Degree Apprenticeship

Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you like problem solving?Why not consider a 2-year Tech Apprenticeship in Cyber Security that will provide apprentices with excellent experience and an Advanced Certificate at Level 6?FIT - Fastrack to Information Technology have a 2 year Cyber Security Apprenticeship Programme on offer!Apprentices will complete the apprenticeship programme and gain an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity at Level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications.The FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship is the third in a series that have been developed by FIT and delivered in partnership with Educating and Training Boards - the previous two are software development and network engineering.Applicants must be 18 years or older with the eligibility to work and live in Ireland. FIT warmly welcome applications from all genders, and from candidates who may have a physical or hidden disability.Apprentices will spend the first 6 months in full-time training, and the next 12 months working with their employer for 3 days per week with 2 days of college. The final 6 months will be spent working with their employer 4 days per week with 1 day in college finalising their certification.To apply for this fantastic opportunity, go to their registration page here; <a href="https://fit.ie/ictap_course/fit-ict-associate-professional-cyber-security/">https://fit.ie/ictap_course/fit-ict-associate-professional-cyber-security/</a><h4>Course Aims</h4>FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship<ul><li>The programme will provide a new talent pipeline for tech employers who have a need for tech practitioners in the field of Cybersecurity. It will provide cybersecurity apprentices with the theory and practical skills required to be employed as Cybersecurity specialists.</li><li>The Cybersecurity programme is designed for those who have recently completed second level education or mature learners who are seeking to retrain.</li></ul><h4>Modules</h4>Apprentices will complete the apprenticeship programme which is of two years duration, as detailed below, to gain an Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity at Level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications:<ol><li>The CompTIA Cybersecurity Pathway which includes:</li><li>City &amp; Guilds transversal learning modules including</li><li>City and Guilds Award for Professional Recognition (Information Technology)</li><li>Applied Learning in the Workplace (Apprentice Online Logbook)</li><li>A Capstone Project – Red Team vs Blue Team capture the flag workshop</li></ol><h4>Requirements</h4>FIT accepts a number of different entry routes to the ICT Associate Professional Apprentice Programmes depending on your own individual background. Applicants must be 18 years or older with the eligibility to work and live in Ireland. FIT warmly welcome applications from all genders, and from candidates who may have a physical or hidden disability. The following stipulations will apply to the screening of your application:Knowledge, Skill and Personal Competence (upon application)Candidates must be numerate and literate with the capacity to learn new skills and absorb varied product knowledge. In addition, candidates must demonstrate a capacity to work as a member of a team and display a capacity to clearly communicate with others. Each candidate must demonstrate a level of personal motivation and a clear desire to work in the field of ICT.Secondary School Leavers (Republic of Ireland)Candidates should have completed a Leaving Certificate with pass grades in at least five Ordinary level subjects (including Maths and English).School Leavers (Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom)Candidates should have completed a level of second-level education equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. This may be composed of the attainment of ‘A Levels’ subject based qualification (General Certificate of Education).Recognition of Prior LearningCandidates who wish to apply for entry, and who do not satisfy any of the standard entry requirements are advised; that an evidenced and justifiable rationale will have to be provided for consideration to be entered into the selection process. This will include the submission of a detailed synopsis of previous educational, life and/or work experiences. The FIT Registrar or delegate will review such cases with regard to the FIT Policy on Access, Transfer and Progression.Apprentices will spend the first 6 months in full-time training, the next 12 months working with their employer for 3 days per week with 2 days on college day-release and the final 6 months working with their employer 4 days per week with 1 day in college finalising their certification.Where are the courses run?All of the off-the-job learning will take place in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) nationwide with the on-the-job learning carried out by the apprenticeship sponsor company. The first phase of courses is taking place in Dublin and Cork with plans to roll-out all around Ireland in the coming months. What is the deadline for applications?The great news is that there is none! We are recruiting all year round so be sure to get your students on our radar by completing an application form here.They will then be invited to an information session with the FIT team in due course. What are the entry requirements?Candidates must be at least 18 years old with at least a Full Leaving Certificate or Level 5 certificate. However, there is no age limit and should someone have relevant work experience and a passion for ICT, this would be taken into consideration. It is important that the candidates posses technical capability and demonstrate an aptitude for learning. For more information, check out FIT <a href="https://fit.ie/">https://fit.ie/</a>

FIT Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

Irish company wants to use drones to deliver takeaway meals.Start-up expects to get approval to start delivering food by drones in Ireland shortlyManna chief executive Bobby Healy says the start-up’s goal is to build a worldwide drone delivery system that can deliver at “massive volume”.Manna, an Irish start-up which is looking to deploy autonomous drones to deliver takeaways, has raised up to €10 million in an oversubscribed round.The company, which was founded and is led by former Cartrawler chief technology officer Bobby Healy, is shortly to seek regulatory approval from the Irish Aviation Authority to allow it to begin rolling out its own aviation grade drones in the Republic.The exact amount raised in the funding round has not been disclosed but Elkstone Capital and Frontline Ventures are among the five venture capital firms that participated.Speaking to The Irish Times, Mr Healy said the company had settled on a relatively small seed round for now with a view to seeking a “massive” one in six to 12 months time as it looks to quickly expand into multiple markets in Europe.Mr Healy, who prior to joining CarTrawler in 2006, founded Eland Technologies, admitted the company was embarked on a high-risk mission.“Our goal is to build a worldwide drone delivery system that can deliver at massive volume,” he said.“We’ve started with food delivery simply because there is no other sector that will get us to that quickly but the ultimate plan is to be able to deliver pretty much anything and everything,” Mr Healy added.Manna is hoping to receive approval in the coming months with the aim of being up and running by the end of 2019.The company’s drones fly at a height of about 100 metres, operate at a low noise level and can make deliveries within a two to three kilometre radius. When they reach their destination, the deliveries are lowered down with a biodegradable linen thread.Manna isn’t the only company with a plan to use drones for deliveries. Alphabet’s Wing subsidiary was last month granted approval to take to the skies of Canberra in Australia, while Zipline operates a commercial service delivering blood supplies in Africa. Amazon is also trialling the technology.However, Mr Healy said Manna’s aviation level drones were significantly more advanced than most commercially available ones.“We’re had positive dealings with the aviation regulator to date and would expect to get the go-ahead once we formally apply for permission from them later this year,” he said.“We’ve spent two years developing our own purpose-built drones and are now on the third generation of them. We have produced drones that are of aviation standard, which you need to have if you’re going to be flying over people’s houses. No-one else is at where we are in the sectors we want to operate in so we can build a leadership position if we move quickly,” added Mr Healy.The entrepreneur admitted that with many obstacles in front of the company, investors have been somewhat wary of backing Manna. The fact that conversations with some investors happened during the period when Gatwick airport was forced to close due to drones seen near the runways, didn’t help the businessman.“Part of the reason for doing a relatively small seed round was that there are a lot of questions, including will we get regulatory approval and the approval of the communities in which we intend to operate, which is also important,” he said.“When I started out on the funding round I had 160 VCs in my funnel but about half of those immediately turned me down despite me having a good track record. I ended up with about 10 VC that were very interested in us but even then it was hard to find one that would lead. Of course, once we did everyone else flooded in with offers,” said Mr Healy.The businessman said the plan is to scale as quickly as possible with a view to being in a number of markets as early as the company can.“We could end up the market leaders in the space and I think that we will. But this is something where we could as easily be gone in 18 months or within five years could be dominant in multiple markets and either looking at floating to acquire our way globally or, being acquired ourselves,” he said.“It does seem like a mad idea but the thing is that drone deliveries are absolutely going to happen across the globe and it will lead to huge behavioural change,” he said.<a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/irish-company-wants-to-use-drones-to-deliver-takeaway-meals-1.3893226"> Original Source.</a>

Irish company wants to use drones to deliver takeaway meals

Director & Chief Biscuit Dunker

Sean Breen

The passing of a law to extend unpaid parental leave should spark a “serious debate” on improvements to work-life balance including the idea of a four-day working week.Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall made the remarks while hailing the passing of the party’s Parental Leave Bill 2017.The new law will allow parents of children under 12 to take 26 weeks unpaid leave, up from the current allowance of 18 weeks for parents of children under eight.This is to be introduced on a phased basis with four extra weeks set to become available from September this year and a further four weeks from September 2020.The Bill was passed by the Dáil this evening.It comes after the Fine Gael-led minority government agreed to adopt the Bill and Fianna Fáil and Labour helped in getting it through the Seanad.Ms Shortall said it&#39;s “really important we have agreed this legislation and I think it will make a huge difference to the lives of so many families and children”.She said it should be seen as the start of a new approach to enable parents to strike a balance between family and work life.Ms Shortall has said that many parents use the current unpaid leave allowance to work four-day weeks to give them “breathing space” to take children to appointments or collect them from school.She told the Dáil “We have a lot more to do in terms of providing paid leave and unpaid leave.”She said “we might now start a serious public debate on how we can ensure that work does not dominate people’s lives to the extent that it does now where it results in huge pressures and huge stresses on people.”According to Ms Shortall other countries and individual companies have been looking at the idea of a four-day week.She said: “We are a bit behind the curve” and that the State has a role to play in encouraging employers to start trialing such initiatives.Earlier Ms Shortall was asked by reporters if she believes the government enabled the legislation to “soften up” the Social Democrats as possible future coalition partners.She said: “I don&#39;t know if they&#39;re at that or not but the Taoiseach has been very supportive recently.“Unfortunately in the early days of this Bill we didn&#39;t see that happen”. Original source <a href="https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/calls-for-serious-debate-on-fourday-working-week-after-passing-of-extended-parental-leave-38111961.html">here.</a>