Fermanagh District CouncilFermanagh District Council

Employability Project

BackgroundBackgroundLack of highly skilled job

opportunities“low wage” economyLack of public sector jobs in the areaLack of large employers in area

Leading toLoss of well qualified people from the

area.

Council already offered a range Council already offered a range of opportunities for people in of opportunities for people in educationeducation

Work experiencePaid work placementUnpaid work placementInternships

But nothing offered for graduates/school leavers

Aim of the Employability Aim of the Employability Project PilotProject Pilot

Offer paid employmentTarget recent school leaversOffer a range of job opportunitiesGive experience to improve

employability (6 months)

Range of opportunities Range of opportunities offeredofferedConstruction Site supervisorTechnical Support Events/Sports DevelopmentCorporate ServicesFinanceTown Warden

PracticalitiesPracticalities

Funding - Council - DEL through Steps to Work

In conjunction with Jobs and Benefits Office

Public advertisementNormal recruitment process

During the programme During the programme candidates were given:-candidates were given:-

Full inductionTraining planNominated workplace mentorInterview skills trainingHelp/advice and assistance with

job applications

Advantages Advantages

For the Council:-Highly motivated employeesAdditional support to compliment existing workforceAccess to the most up to date knowledge/skillsEnabled the piloting on new positionsIncreased our capacity to respond to demands (G8!)Retention of skilled people in the area for six months

AdvantagesAdvantages

For the Employee:-Valuable work experience to compliment their educationRelevant trainingImprove their employabilityAllows the opportunity to try different areas of work/employers

DisadvantagesDisadvantagesCostRequires commitment to induct,

train and support participantsNo guarantee of job at the endPeople who are underemployed

could not apply

Feedback/EvaluationFeedback/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 PlansFuture Plans

Looking at a menu of optionsSkills Development ProgrammeSteps to work tasters/work experienceGraduate programmeA new Employability scheme