Latest news with #SICAP
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Demand for Wicklow barbers prompts roll out of three courses for trainees
The shortage of barbers and hairdressers has become an increasingly pressing issue in recent years, with the country facing a significant skills gap in this sector, according to the marketing agency and talent hub, Back4good. It attributed the shortage to several factors, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and challenges in attracting young talent to the profession. There is also a growth in demand for barbering generally, driven by trends in men's grooming and a renewed appreciation for traditional grooming, beard-trimming and other services which require more skilled barbers. On the surface, Bray doesn't appear to suffer from a lack of barber shops (a rough count pointing to at least a dozen in the town) but it does suffer from a lack of barbers – as anyone who has had to wait in line while a customer is getting a 'skin fade' will know. Earlier this year, BNWAP – the community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting social inclusion and economic development in the Bray and North Wicklow area – launched an 'Introduction to Barbering' course for people in the community to provide them with a taster of a career in barbering. And after overwhelming interest, three Introduction to Barbering courses have already been delivered – with hugely positive feedback from participants. The hands-on training courses were designed to offer people a chance to explore barbering as a potential career in a supportive, skills-based environment. Participants learned practical techniques and gained insight into working in the industry, helping to build both their skills and confidence. As part of the course, participants also visited Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE), which runs a one-year City & Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Barbering. They were given a tour of the facilities by BIFE Deputy Principal, Gabriel Allen, offering them a valuable insight into what further training in the field could look like. The success of the courses has now opened new doors, with a number of participants progressing to the full Level 5 year-long barbering course at BIFE. This marks an exciting step for those seeking to build a long-term career in the barbering industry. 'We were delighted to see such a strong demand for the courses,' said Jennifer Jones, the programmes activation and new communities team leader at BNWAP. 'The commitment and enthusiasm shown by participants was inspiring, and it's fantastic to see some now taking the next step in their training journey at BIFE.' The initiative reflects a wider effort by BNWAP to support local people in developing practical skills that lead to further education and employment opportunities. The courses were supported under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027. Information on accessing the courses can be found on
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Pics show young Cork learners who mastered touch-typing and other skills recognised at ceremony
Proud family members and tutors were in the audience last week when IRD Duhallow hosted a Recognition of Learning ceremony celebrating the achievements of children who took part in the 2024/2025 Literacy Advancement and Touch, Type, Read and Spell (TTRS) children programmes. The evening was a celebration of each participant's progress, marked by the presentation of certificates, treat bags, and trophies to the children. Special recognition was given to three students—Vivien Field, Daniel Kenneally, and James Guiney, who have completed the full TTRS programme. The ceremony was attended by tutors Aoife Murphy, Sarah Jones, Katie Hickey, and Nollaig Murphy, along with programme coordinator Melissa Holland. IRD Duhallow runs weekly classes during the school year for children in the Cork and Kerry SICAP areas. The Literacy Advancement Initiative is delivered by qualified primary school teachers. It focuses on reading, writing, spelling, memory, and sequencing skills in supportive small group settings. The TTRS programme complements this with a multisensory computer-based approach that helps children develop touch typing, spelling, and reading skills. The programme uses repetition and dictation exercises to boost reading, listening, and typing proficiency while reinforcing overall learning. The Recognition of Learning event was a heart-warming reminder of the importance of empowering young learners and a testament to the dedication of both the children and their educators. If anyone is interested in signing up their child for the Autumn/Winter term, please reach out to to register.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ambitious vision of community led development of County Sligo up to 2030 revealed
Minister Dara Calleary officially launched the strategy, which outlines an ambitious vision for community-led local development in County Sligo from 2025–2030. Stakeholders, elected representatives, community members, board members, and staff gathered to mark the beginning of this new strategic phase which sets out clear priorities in areas such as rural development, social inclusion, climate action, and enterprise support. Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Bree opened the event and spoke about how Sligo LEADER Partnership has benefited the community over the last thirty years. Minister Calleary described the strategy as 'a brilliant and ambitious document' and commended Sligo LEADER Partnership Company for its dedication to supporting and empowering communities across the county. Finbarr Filan, addressed attendees on behalf of the Sligo LEADER Partnership Board, highlighting the essential role of LEADER funding in driving sustainable community projects and economic development, and commented that this was an important day to showcase the collaboration between Sligo County Council, Kingsbridge Hospital and Sligo LEADER Partnership in securing the purchase of the St. Michael's building. The event also included remarks from John Feerick, CEO of Sligo LEADER Partnership Company, who asked Minister Calleary for support on the new LEADER programme, SICAP (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme), to review the extension period for people on Tús and the implementation of the recommendations from the Rural Social Scheme review that was conducted last year. Following the formal proceedings, Minister Calleary visited two LEADER-supported initiatives: the community garden at Northside Community Partnership and The Doorly Park Gate Lodge, a community-run café. Both projects are examples of how LEADER funding contributes to social inclusion, social enterprise and local climate action. The event was attended by public representatives including members of the Oireachtas including Minister of State Marian Harkin, Deputy Eamon Scanlon, Deputy Frank Feighan, Senator Nessa Cosgrove and elected members of Sligo County Council and Chief Executive Martin Lydon. Also in attendance were Mark Regan and Ruth Scott of Kingsbridge Hospital, members of the Sligo LEADER Partnership staff and Board of Directors, who were warmly thanked for their ongoing guidance and support.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Kerry jobs fair to connect job seekers with employers
The event will feature over 30 of the county's leading companies, offering hundreds of vacancies across various sectors. Organized by NEWKD Local Development Company in partnership with The Rose Hotel and Tralee Chamber Alliance, this free event is open to the public based on on-site registration. Attendees can explore opportunities in sectors such as office administration, IT, accounting, finance, hospitality, manufacturing, food production, and retail while there will also be a range of workshops to support both employers and employees. Tralee Chamber Alliance President, Collette O'Connor, highlighted the positive response from employers to the event. "To have such as comprehensive employment focussed event in Kerry is a great opportunity for employers and Jobseekers. In addition, the information workshops on employing people from abroad reflects the opportunities for employers to fill vacancies with where there are domestic skills shortages.' NEWKD SICAP Programme Manager, Robert Carey, explained that bringing together numerous employers, services, and insightful speakers under one roof offers those seeking employment or looking for a change of role a valuable opportunity to engage directly with potential employers, participate in career progression workshops, and gain clarity on employment schemes such as Tús, CE, and WPEP. NEWKD, as part of the Kerry Community Response Forum facilitated by Kerry County Council, emphasises employment as a crucial aspect of integration for refugees in Kerry. The event will put both job seekers and employers in touch with a wide range of information and supports all aimed at supporting employment. During the event, employers will have a unique opportunity to gain insights into the specifics of employing migrants, get answers to the most frequently asked questions, and raise any concerns they may have. The workshop for employers will be conducted by Frank O'Boyle who manages Information and Advocacy Service in Irish Refugee Council. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Alongside employer booths, a careers clinic will provide job search support, including CV and job interview preparation, as well as information on upskilling and professional development including a CV preparation workshop led by Sean Connell, HR at NEWKD and Secrets of a Successful Interview presented by Lydia Oboryna from the Open Door Initiative. Employment Law for Migrants and Accessing the Labour Market to provide Information on the status of temporary protection beneficiaries by Okasna Sarzhevska from the Irish Refugee Council will also take place as well as Entrepreneurship workshops. Efforts have been made to support Ukrainian refugees and international protection applicants in attending the fair. Information will be provided prior to the event, and interpreter services will be available on the day. The NEWKD Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 is proudly supported by the Rose Hotel, and the Tralee Chamber Alliance. Funding is provided as part of the SICAP programme implemented by NEWKD.
