Institute plans special JobNets evening sessions
28 May 2009
The CIPD is supporting new initiatives by FÁS to assist executive and professional people who have lost their jobs in the past year by organising some JobNets events which CIPD members will be encouraged to support.
'CIPD members are closest to the jobs market and know of potential opportunities for either employment, short-term roles, internships or work-experience openings. Their advice and guidance could be very valuable to thousands of well-qualified people seeking to return to work,' explained CIPD Ireland director, Michael McDonnell.
FÁS has developed four short pilot programmes largely aimed at:
- Personnel who have held a senior or middle management position.
- Jobseekers who may have completed some Continuous Professional Development, (CPD) in management, supervision, or any related professional or technical training.
- Professionals or specialists, possibly with membership of a professional body.
- Persons with experience in a senior supervisory role with a number of direct reports.
- Business professionals with sales and marketing experience.
These programmes will cover areas such as self-awareness and analysis of training and development needs and provide opportunities for group and individual executive coaching; advanced communication and presentation skills; career campaign strategies and updating personal curriculum vitae and interview skills.
'The attraction of these tailored pilot programmes is that they are aimed at people who are anxious and able to take up any roles or opportunities which could arise. CIPD members can assist by participating in the proposed CIPD JobNets of two-hour sessions to both get to know and advise talented job-seekers in their area,' Mr McDonnell added.
CIPD Ireland is organising a series of pilot evening sessions over the summer for members and participants in these specially-tailored FÁS programmes to meet, network and share insights.
This is a great opportunity for CIPD members to contribute directly towards the economic recovery by supporting other professionals who have lost jobs or need to adapt their career structure. Ensuring that well-training and motivated people remain close to the labour market and have a social network of contacts and advisers with direct knowledge of local jobs markets is part of what CIPD Ireland can contribute.
The Institute wants to develop any government or agency initiatives that will support recovery from the rapid decline into double-digit unemployment. What we lack in financial resources we can more than balance with CIPD members’ contributing a lot in our knowledge of labour market realities and advise higher potential individuals on steps to securing employment or suitable training.
Members willing to participate in planned regional JobNets evening sessions or seeking further details should send their contact details to the email address below.
The contribution that CIPD Ireland members make in the current unemployment crisis will reflect on the long-term standing and status of the Institute as a professional body in the eyes of the general public; employees and managers; government departments; and other professional bodies.