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 September 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
Tuesday, 15th Septeber 2026- Programme Kick-Off + Rules of Engagement (Half Day, Virtual)
Thursday, 17th September 2026- CV, LinkedIn & Job Search Strategy (AM) / Developing Confidence & Goal-Setting (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Thursday, 24th September 2026- Professional Communication (AM) / Networking & Building Your Personal Brand (PM) (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Thursday, 1st October 2026- DiSC Personality Profiling Day (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Note: 1:1 Coaching Begin- 4 Sessions to be completed before the end of December 2026
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Phase 2
Thursday, 8th October 2026- Return to Work Practical Skills (AM) / Working in a Hybrid Environment (PM) (In person, Ibec)
Thursady, 15th October 2026- Coaching Skills 9AM) / Peer Coaching & Action Learning sets (PM) (In person, Ibec)
Tuesday, 20th October 2026- Recruiter Insights (Virtual)
Thursday, 22nd October 2026- Mock Interview Session 1 (In person, Ibec)
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Phase 3
Thursday, 5th November 2026- Global Financial Markets Foundations, Sustainability & ESG (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Tuesday, 12th November 2026- Presentation Skills & Effective Communication (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Tuesday, 17th November 2026- Recruiter Insights (Half Day, Virtual)
Thursday, 19th November 2026- Establishing priorities & Time Management (AM) / Problem Solving & Critical Thinking (PM) (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Tuesday, 1st December 2026- AI in the Workplace & FinTech (Guest Speakers) (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Tuesday, 8th December 2026- Mock Interview Session 2- Interview (AM) / Debrief (PM) (Full Day, Virtual)
Thursday, 10th December 2026- Regulatory Overview & Updates (AM) / Risk Management in Financial Services (PM) (Full Day, Virtual)
Break For Christmas / Newyear
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Phase 4
Thursday, 14th January 2027- Presentaion Skills Part 2 & Peer Coaching in Action (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Thursday, 21st January 2027- Client Relationship Management (Half Day, Virtual)
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Phase 5
Thursday, 4th February 2027- Regulatory Deep Dive (Guest Speakers) (Full Day, In person, Ibec)
Thursday, 11th February 2027- Graduation and Presentations (Half Day, In person, Ibec)
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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