Skills for Work – Construction 2016
SECAD provided people seeking employment in the construction sector with a two day activation programme including the opportunity to gain a Manual Handling Cert and a Safe Pass Card. A key element involved participants learning how to put together an effective CV and how to prepare for an interview.
Three programmes were delivered across Youghal, Macroom and Cobh in 2016. Construction workers are bound by law to hold a valid Safe Pass card and it is also useful for people who are seeking work as general operatives in the manufacturing sector.
One respondent now employed in a Lidl warehouse reported: ‘’it was really useful to do manual handling course. It’s what got me the job in Lidl, I was very happy’’.
Food & Hospitality Sectors
Additionally, clients interested in employment in the food and hospitality sector were offered the opportunity to gain a Food Safety Certificate coupled with practical guidance on tailoring and presenting their CV’s for the sector.
Two programmes were held in Midleton and Carrigaline for Food Safety Skills in 2016. Participants on the one and a half day Food Safety course and a Level 1 HACCP & Allergy Awareness Cert. The aim of the course was to give participants the skills and knowledge required to be able to handle and store food safely and an understanding of the basic rules of HACCP & Allergen Awareness.
Customer Service Skills
Participants were very satisfied with the programme and found it built confidence to recognise transferable skills and be empowered and energised to know how to go about finding a job. Participants also enjoyed interaction in the programme and being part of a group on the course.
‘’The course was a great refresher for me to know what’s involved in writing a great CV. It also helped me to meet new people and it opened doors to find my new role in administration.’’
Li Chai – course participant
The programme may be replicated and run again in areas with identified disadvantage. The programme can also be run to tailor it to respond to local needs for example, in response to seasonal demand for employees at Christmas/summer tourism.
