Ready for Work holds ceremony for recent participants
Joe Costello TD with Ready for Work graduates
Friday, 24th February 2012 :Almost 400 formerly homeless people have been placed in work experience roles with over 60% of these leading to full time jobs. This was announced at a celebration ceremony for the most recent Ready for Work programme participants. The Ready for Work programme, run by Business in the Community Ireland, helps to support formerly homeless people who are trying to get back into employment. It develops CV and interview skills, searches for and assigns suitable work placements and gives guidance during the work placement period.
“The barriers facing homeless people who are attempting to move on and live independently can be overwhelming. Their challenge is not only to secure accommodation but also to reintegrate into the community and rebuild their lives. On top of this, a long period of not working and out of the ‘mainstream’ can leave people with low confidence and fears as to whether they can fit in again. Our Ready for Work programme is unique in having the employment of formerly homeless people as its sole objective.” said Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland.
Currently, Ready for Work, which is funded by the Department of Social Protection, is a Dublin only programme but to date has impacted the lives of over 300 people. All participants have said that the programme has increased their confidence and motivation for finding employment.
“One of the main aims of the programme is to dispel the myths of homelessness and encourage companies to recruit from this group. Providing employment can be the best way for businesses to help homeless people in the long term and there are business benefits too as the majority of people who engage with us are very eager and ready to make an impression in the workplace.” said Roche.
Companies that are currently providing placements include, Marks & Spencer, Tesco, KPMG, Arnotts, Brown Thomas, Momentum Support, Unicare, Parkwest Business Park, Peninsula, Carillion and the Maldron Hotel Group.
