Feeding Ireland’s Future 2018 Takes Place From 21st May Until 1st June

The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, in collaboration with Efficient Consumer Approach Ireland (ECR), is delighted to announce the launch of the fifth annual Feeding Ireland’s Future Initiative (FIF), which will run from 21st May until 1st June. Some 20 leading companies are participating in FIF 2018, which will provide young jobseekers with practical help and advice on developing their key skills and give them hands-on experience of careers in a range of sectors.

Since FIF first launched in 2014, feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive: 98 percent have said they felt more confident applying for a job after taking part in FIF and that the opportunity provided very useful advice on skills such as improving their CV. This year, around 300 young people under the age of 24 will take part in the Initiative.

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, T.D., met recently with representatives of the companies participating in FIF 2018, which include: Kellogg Ireland, Coca Cola Hellenic Ireland, ARYZTA Europe, Market Lane, Maxol, Primeline Group, Nielsen Ireland and Mars Ireland (full list below).

Image: Regina Doherty, T.D.

Minister Doherty welcomed the support of the companies, many of whom have taken part in FIF since it first launched. “Feeding Ireland’s Future provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn directly from employers how to stand out when applying for jobs, while identifying and highlighting their individual strengths and talents.

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the companies and their employees who participate in Feeding Ireland’s Future. It is proving to be a very successful and meaningful event for the young people involved and I urge you to continue to build on the relationship with the Department’s Intreo service to connect with and support jobseekers of all ages in finding work.”

The companies involved have prepared a diverse range of tailored events this year. Wallace Myers International will focus on “great ways to get a great job”, while Kellogg Ireland will provide opportunities for hands-on experiences and learning. Those who take part in the Keelings event, as well as receiving career advice, will be trained and will receive a certificate in manual handling.

ABC Note

Feeding Ireland’s Future is led by ECR Ireland and is supported by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and Youthreach.

•  ARYZTA Europe
• Baptec Training and Education Centre
• Britvic Ireland
• Coca Cola Hellenic Ireland
• Dunnhumby
• Excel Recruitment
• Gala
• Goosebump
• Irish Distillers
• Keelings
• Kellogg Ireland
• Maxol
• Market Lane
• Mars Ireland
• Nestle Ireland Ltd
• Nielsen Ireland
• Primeline Group
• Shelfstock
• Wallace Myers Internationals
• 1Plus Security

About ECR Ireland
Efficient Consumer Response Ireland (ECR) was established in 1998 to promote and educate the Irish Business Community about Efficient Consumer Response and the benefits it brings. It is the official ECR organisation in Ireland and is a member of ECR Europe. The board is comprised of senior executives from a selection of retailers and suppliers operating in Ireland whose purpose it is to represent the sectors within which they trade.  

ECR Ireland encourages long term co-operation between retail trading partners to drive costs out of the supply chain and benefit the Irish consumer. It does this by developing industry best practices, promoting their adoption and providing education and guidance on key demand side & supply chain issues. It is committed to the implementation of ECR principles by Irish companies and is a not for profit organisation.

About Intreo
Intreo is a service from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection which helps people who are unemployed with their employment and income support service needs. Intreo provides a personalised service, based on individual needs including; advice on education, training and personal development opportunities, job search assistance as well as information on and access to the range of income supports available.

Intreo also provides a dedicated employer support service, connecting employers with potential candidates seeking a new career, providing advice and support on recruiting unemployed people.

About Youthreach
Youthreach is an integral part of the national programme of second-chance education and training in Ireland and is a central part of the Government's contribution to the achievement of a lifelong learning society.

The Youthreach programme provides two years integrated education, training and work experience for unemployed early school leavers without any qualifications or vocational training who are between 15 and 20 years of age. There are almost 6,000 places available nationwide under the Youthreach umbrella. Almost 3,700 of these places are provided by ETBs in just over 100 Youthreach centres. The majority of the remainder of places are provided in Community Training Centres. The programme usually provides two years integrated education, training and work experience. Basic skills training, practical work training and general education are features of the programme, and the application of new technology is integrated into all aspects of programme content. There is a strong emphasis on personal development, on the core skills or literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme.