What is Skills Connect?
Skills Connect is an initiative developed by Skillnet Ireland to support people who are unemployed and who wish to re-join the workforce. The recent Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report on the financial services sector forecasts that the sector will need to recruit between 6,000 and 9,000 between now and 2027. Therefore, it is important that we act now to ensure we have the right skills available in the workforce. which will result in an estimated skills gap in the sector of more than 4,000.
Through Skills Connect, individuals can enhance their job prospects by refreshing existing skill sets and expertise, or by learning new skills.
Businesses can gain from the talent and skills that the individuals have honed, which are essential for future success.
These programmes are free for people who are seeking employment. Applicants must meet the Skills Connect eligibility criteria and also meet the specific entry criteria for the programme. Details of these are listed below. Candidates may be short listed for interview in advance of places being awarded.
This high-quality, fully-funded course offer significant value, we ask that you only register if you are fully committed to participating.
Reactivate: Workforce returner programme for financial services
Our Skills Connect programme, Reactivate, is aimed at supporting those with professional experience within and outside of the IFS sector who have taken time away from the workplace and wish to return. The Reactivate Workforce Returner Programme aims to support participants on their journey back to the workforce by focusing on personal and professional skills development. Through tailored training and coaching, the Programme seeks to enhance participants’ self-confidence as they transition back into the workforce, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving environment of the International Financial Services (IFS) sector.
The Programme also aims to boost participants’ understanding of recent regulatory and technological changes and advances within the IFS sector. By
providing up-to-date insights and training on regulatory requirements and technological advancements, participants will be better prepared to
navigate the complexities of the industry and contribute effectively to their roles. The Reactive Workforce Returner Programme aims to support
participants on their journey back to the workforce by focusing on personal and professional skills development.
The programme will welcome guest speakers working in the industry to share their insights and experience of the industry.
Participants will also be linked with a mentor currently working in the sector from their subsector of interest.
Programme Content and Schedule
The programme consists of day and half day long workshops which are delivered over a 6-month period from October 2024- March 2025. The programme is blended with a mix of in person and online workshops which provides flexibility. Half day sessions will run from 09:30am-1:00pm. Full day session will run for 10:00am- 5:00pm. In person workshops will take place in Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, D02 H720. Please note, dates are subject to change. A full programme outline can be found here.
17th October: Programme kick off (online, 45 minutes)
24th October: Module 1: Return to work practical skills and rebuilding your professional brand (1 day, in person)
7th November: Global Financial Markets Foundations (0.5 day, online)
14th November: Regulatory Update: Latest on the Regulatory Landscape in the IFS Sector (0.5 day, online)
21st November: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking (0.5 day, online)
28th November: Establishing Priorities (0.5 day, online)
5th December: CV Writing, Interview Skills & Tips for Navigating the Jobs Market (0.5 day, online)
12th December: Developing Confidence & Goal Setting (0.5 day, online)
9th January: Foundation Coaching Skills & Peer Coaching & Action Learning Sets (1 day, in person)
16th January: Data Analytics for Financial Services: visualisation, interpreting data, storytelling (0.5 day, online)
23rd January: Regulatory Update: Latest on the Regulatory Landscape in the IFS Sector (1 day, in person)
30th January: IT essentials: MS office, Teams, Outlook (0.5 day, online)
6th February: Networking and Relationship Building (0.5 day, in person)
13th February: Working in a Hybrid Environment (0.5 day, online)
27th February: Presentation Skills & Effective Communication (1 day, in person)
6th March: Risk Management in Financial Services (0.5, online)
13th March: Sustainability in Financial Services (0.5, online)
20th March: Client Relationship Management (0.5, online)
27th March: Programme conclusion (0.5 day, in person)
How to apply
Applications consist of an application form, short cover letter and CV. Cover letter and CV should be sent to info@ifsskillnet.ie. Applications for the 2024 programme are now closed.
