Best wishes to everyone taking part in this new pilot project which was launched on 11th February by an Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD, The aim is to support disadvantaged jobseekers in gaining skills, experience and qualifications to meet the increasing demand for workers in the elderly care sector. The initiative will run over two years. Pictured are Anna Ruth-Duane (STEP), Frieda Kavanagh (Carmona Services), Jennifer Clarke (STEP), Aidan Gannon (STEP) with Stefan Engemann and Elwira Plominska of Tús.

The pilot project will cover job coaching, opportunities to gain practical work experience and FETAC Level 5 ‘Health Service Skills’ training. The end result should be job seekers who are confident as care providers who can contribute to different sectors in the care industry. Participants in the project are from STEP, Southside Partnership and Carmona Services. Our partners in the project are St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Open Training College, Southside Partnership and IASE (Irish Association of Supported Employment).