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 will be delivered over a 6-month period from October 2026- March 2027. 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. Explore the full programme details here.
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Phase 1
Programme Kick-Off + Rules of Engagement
CV, LinkedIn & Job Search Strategy (AM) / Developing Confidence & Goal-Setting
Professional Communication (AM) / Networking & Building Your Personal Brand
DiSC Personality Profiling Day
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Phase 2
Return to Work Practical Skills
Working in a Hybrid Environment
Coaching Skills (AM) / Peer Coaching & Action Learning Sets
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Phase 3
Global Financial Markets Foundations
Regulatory Overview & Updates
Mock Interviews and Application Clinic
- Break for Christmas / New Year
Risk Management in Financial Services
Sustainability, ESG and AI Trends
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Phase 4
IT Essentials & Data Analytics for Financial Services
Presentation Skills & Effective Communication
Establishing Priorities & Time Management / Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Client Relationship Management
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Phase 5
Regulatory Deep Dive – New Developments – Can include some apprenticeship Sessions
Graduation and Presentations
Register Your Interest
We are now welcoming expressions of interest for the 2026/2027 Returners Programme. Please fill out the form below to register your interest, and we will be in touch as soon as the official applications open.
Participant Testimonial
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