This initiative, MOMENTUM, will assist 6,500 long term unemployed jobseekers to gain in-demand skills and to access work in sectors of the economy where there are job opportunities. The programmes will include on-the job training in the form of work experience modules as well as the development of the workplace skills required to obtain and retain employment. 36 education and training providers from both the private and public sector will be offering 62 individual MOMENTUM programmes in 87 locations across the country. These projects will be in the expanding employment areas of ICT, digital media, healthcare and social services, the green economy, food processing and sales and marketing.
DBS is delighted to be offering eight programmes across Information Communications Technology, Digital Media and Sales and Marketing. MOMENTUM is an outcomes-based model of education and training that sees best international practice adapted to an Irish context. The courses are tailored to both the needs of the long-term job-seeker, but also employers who are experiencing skills shortages.
Announcing the 6,500 places Minister Quinn said “We all know that budgets are tight, in households and in the Government Departments. But, we are committed to ensuring that our limited resources are targeted and allow unemployed people to access high quality and relevant education and training. The MOMENTUM model, which sees skills provision married with on the job experience, is a significant innovation in how we spend public money on further education and training.” Minister Cannon said, “Momentum is part of the major reform of the further education and training sector. I am spearheading the creation of Solas and it will facilitate a coherent integrated strategic national response across the further education and training sectors.”
Speaking at Windmill Lane Recording Studios where the launch took place, Paul O’Toole, Director General, FÁS said “This programme provides a real opportunity to long term jobseekers to develop the skills that employers are looking for. We believe that the training, education and real experience provided through the projects will significantly enhance participants’ capacity to compete for jobs”. MOMENTUM is administered by FÁS and funded by the Department of Education & Skills through the ESF supported Labour Market Education & Training Fund (LMETF). The payment system to providers is outcomes based with part payment reserved for key stages of the programme, including challenging certification, progression and employment outcomes at the end of the programme.
Dublin Business School, in partnership with Cut-e held a briefing and networking event for employers as part of the MOMENTUM initiative on THursday 31st Of January. This event, for which Minister for Training and Skills, Ciarán Cannon T.D was keynote speaker, was attended by over 50 employers interested in learning more about MOMENTUM. The courses are tailored to both the needs of the long-term job-seeker, but also employers who are experiencing skills shortages. Cut-e is a leading talent assessment organisation who are expert in screening and matching of candidates to roles in a manner that delivers heightened new hire productivity and retention for employer organisations and will maximise the fit between participants and job opportunities.