The Ministerfor Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, and the Crafts Council of Ireland have announced an extension of the JobBridge national internship scheme to allow for further internships in the craft sector. The announcement was made at Farmleigh where Minister Burton met with craft and design enterprises and interns from around the country who are currently participating in a new pilot internship scheme for the craft industry. Kate Ramsey from FabulousFelt, Co.Limerick, attended with Tess Kelly, who is currently completing an internship with the company. FabulousFelt specialise in felted accessories and garments.
The pilot initiative was launched earlier this year for an initial 50 internships. The scheme has created exciting opportunities for both Crafts Council of Ireland’s registered client enterprises and member organisations to bring in fresh talent, original ideas and new thinking to their business for a 9-month period and for interns to gain work experience and the relevant knowledge and skills required to enter a career in the craft sector whichcontributes almost half a billion euro* to the Irish economy.
To date 41 interns have been placed and 9 are pending approval. Following the high levels of interest and participation from both craft enterprises and interns, the pilot initiative has now been extended, with a further 50 internships being announced today, bringing the total number to 100.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Burton said:“JobBridge has proved hugely successful since its launch, with 61% of those completing their internships progressing into employment, one of the best progression rates for such a programme anywhere in Europe. I’m delighted we are now widening JobBridge so that people interested in careers in craft have opportunities to pursue their creative ambitions. Ireland’s craft sector is made up of innovative craft and design enterprises throughout the country, providing vital employment in both urban and rural areas. The sector’s contribution to our economy and our culture is invaluable.”
The introduction of the pilot is a progressive development for the crafts sector in Ireland. A large number of Crafts Council of Ireland’s registered clients are sole trader enterprises who until the pilot had been excluded from participation in the JobBridge scheme due to their size – one of the standard criteria to qualify for an internship is that an organisation must have a minimum of 1 full-time employee who is employed for 30 hours or more per week. That specific requirement was waived for the pilot scheme.
Laura Magahy, Chairman of the Crafts Council of Ireland said: “Today’s announcement is hugely significant and I would like to thank Minister Burton and her team at the Department of Social Protection for their support of the craft and design sector. The uptake by interns through the pilot scheme launched earlier this year reflects both the levels of interest in pursuing careers in craft and the potential for growth in the sector. The success of the pilot scheme to date is evident from the excellent feedback we have received from our member organisations and client enterprises as well as from the interns. We look forward to continuing to work with the team at JobBridge in creating further internship opportunities.”
The scheme for the craft sector is being administered by Crafts Council of Ireland in conjunction with JobBridge. More than 22,000 internships have commenced since JobBridge was launched in July 2011, with more than 10,000 companies participating.
JobBridge is playing a significant role in helping people back to work. According to an independent evaluation of JobBridge by Indecon International Economic Consultants, 61% of JobBridge participants have progressed into employment within five months of completing their internship.
Some 89% of interns felt that JobBridge had given them new skills, while 96% of companies that have participated in the scheme say they would recommend JobBridge to other companies. These findings demonstrate the value of the JobBridge scheme to both participants and the organisations with whom they work. Since 1st July 2013, companies who employ interns and are eligible for the new JobsPlus Scheme may qualify for a financial incentive of up to €10,000, payable each month over a 2-year period to qualifying employers, which helps to offset wage costs.
