There are many ways to update your skill set, even in the current climate when we have to stay close to home. For years now, South Kerry Local Employment Service has been referring people onto our wide catalogue of training courses that we pay for (if needed) as well as providing supports to make it easy to register and continue learning until courses are completed.
One of the online platforms we often use is eCollege, provided by Solas who recently announced that their entire set of courses is temporarily free to anyone! Three popular courses we find people want are:
Yes, eCollege is geared mostly at education in IT or Technical areas, but there are a few others topics also like Business, Office Productivity and Learn how to speak Irish. If there’s nothing there for you, get in touch with us as we have MANY resources other than eCollege available, some which you can’t access any other way.
If something on eCollege does catch your eye but you want to discuss an aspect of it, or if you want a hand registering with eCollege, give us a shout and we’ll help you get on the right path.
CahersiveenKillarneyKillorglinKenmareSneem
Head Office – West Main Street Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
SKDP continues to point people in South Kerry to services and updates that may be of help during this time of great change. Here’s two covering 1) Tourism and 2) Employment Income Supports:
The full set of Questions and Answers is beneath if you wish to review their advices. *In case things change, it is best to keep an eye on their own website in case of further updates.
This week’s Jobs Sheet, put together by South Kerry LES, includes a Motor Technician role as well as many positions across the Retail and Caring sectors.
Employers – Is recruiting taking up too much of your time? Many frontline organisations are trying to quickly mobilise staff and SKDP can be your trusted partner in this. We offer a screening service for all types of recruitment efforts, cutting down on your resources.
Our Employer Engagement Officer, Joanne Griffin, manages a database of clients across the region and helps them source employees using SKDP channels or targeted events (e.g. our recent seasonal Hotel Event) It’s all part of our work under the SICAP programme to reduce unemployment in our communities.
Over 60 organisations of all sizes and from varied sectors avail of this free outsourced service. We have successfully helped place candidates in everything from small local businesses to multinationals – without commission or fees! We want to help you while also helping Kerry people find jobs.
*Joanne also wants anyone seeking work to connect with her – she can help you become ready for your next job!
While we’re conscious many companies are not hiring at the moment, this service will be there if you need it again.
To view this week’s jobs please clickJobsheet Week 13 (which should open it in a new window (PC) or begin a download if you are using a mobile device). Alternatively, scroll through the roles here:
While our offices are now closed until April 19th, we’re still here for you – all our usual phone numbers are diverted and so you can still reach us by phone or alternatively via [email protected].
SKDP is working within the County’s Coordinated Community Response. Along with Kerry County Council, we are helping run a new Covid-19 Support Service as well as continuing to deliver food, fuel and medicines to those living in our community whose usual sources of support are unavailable.
Please save this new helpline number 1800807009 and where possible, every Kerry household should print this document beneath, adding your Eircode and other relevant information.
Do pass this important information along safely to your friends, family and neighbours, especially those who may not be digitally connected. Stay at home and stay well.
Jobseekers – If you or someone you know has been laid off due to Covid-19 and need some help completing application forms, (e.g. Six week Emergency Payment) make contact with your nearest Local Employment Service office who will be happy to help you out.
CahersiveenKillarneyKillorglinKenmareSneem
Head Office – West Main Street Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection have a range of measures to provide income support to people affected by Coronavirus, viewable here. They advise that the best method to apply for COVID Pandemic Unemployment Payment is online.
You will need to have a basic MyGovID account to proceed (which they reassure is a simple process). If you want some help with filling out the online form, do contact us.
South Kerry Local Employment Service is your free support for all things relating to finding jobs or work.
If you or someone around you is thinking differently about their work future, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) will be of interest. It’s an opportunity to set up your own business while still being supported by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
As well as that, in South Kerry, SKDP provides free supports to all applicants working out their business plans. First, take a look at the eligibility conditions around BTWEA. Then, to find out more, contact your nearest SKDP Enterprise Officer:
For those already on the payment, please see a note from the Department regarding enhancements during the Covid-19 period:
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA)
COVID-19
Revised payment arrangements with immediate effect
Where self-employed participants of BTWEA have to cease trading because of the impact of social distancing, they can continue to receive their BTWEA weekly payment from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. No further action is required from the customer where they wish to continue on the scheme.
Where a participant in year two of their claim presents with financial difficulty (in receipt of a reduced 75% rate of payment), an adjustment can be made to their weekly rate on ISTS to revert to the year one rate of their claim (i.e. increase to 100%).
Where a customer’s BTWEA ends following the 2 year period they can be advised to apply for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and Jobseekers supports.
In this time of social distancing, we’re lucky in South Kerry to have a broad range of Walks where we can avoid coming within 2 metres of others. However, as it’s Spring, it’s also lambing season – that means it’s crucial we are mindful of the danger that dogs pose along our walks!
Má thá suim agat, is feidir leat cloisint le Seán de Buitléar ag caint faoi seo ar ‘An Saol Ó Dheas’ inniu. https://www.rte.ie/rnag/an-saol-o-dheas/#103368877 (Déardaoin 26 Márta, circa 43 minutes in). Seán also pays a mighty tribute to our colleague Paddy Casey R.I.P. who managed the Walks Scheme for SKDP.
Sheep in Lambing Season
***PRESS RELEASE***
Walks in South Kerry welcoming people but VITAL to respect rules
At such an unprecedented and critical time in everybody’s lives, as Hospitals will be inundated with patients suffering with COVID-19, it is also critical time in Ireland in farming communities. Lambing season is well underway, uphill ewes are beginning to lamb.
In Ireland landowners along all public walking trails in South Kerry are very welcoming of people on the walks during this time there is a need for people to respect the walks rules.
Noel Spillane CEO South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) stated “This is a very busy time for farmers who have sheep lambing and cows calving and it is vital that people DO NOT under any circumstances bring dogs onto the walks”. He pointed out that dogs, whether on leads or not, are NEVER allowed on the walks but now, more than ever, given the stress dogs can have on farm animals, people must obey this rule.
Walking, particularly on the many public walking trails in South Kerry, is an ideal way for people to get exercise and fresh air during this period and it is also a safe way once people ensure they adhere to HSE guidelines around keeping social distancing. “People should make sure to minimise their social contact with others on the walks in line with HSE guidelines” Noel said and added that people, particularly those who may not be used to the walks, should ensure they have suitable footwear and clothing to cope with changing weather conditions.
“We are very lucky in South Kerry to have such a broad range of walks suitable for people of all ages and abilities that we can use during this time when many other recreational options are not available to us and we all need to make sure we use them in a way that is safe for all” said CEO Noel Spillane.
There are 21 different walking trails in the region and full details as well as maps for these are available to download/print from www.southkerry.ie/trails where they can also get an online to take with them on the routes. People are also advised to remember the 7 principles of Leave No Trace – https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/education/education-introduction/ – to ensure that everyone can enjoy and maintain the wonderful asset of our South Kerry walks during this time.
Sadly – Paddy Casey, SKDP’s Rural Recreation Officer, who managed the Walks Scheme and who spearheaded this campaign, passed away at the weekend. South Kerry Development Partnership extends its deepest sympathy to Paddy’s family and many friends.
A good idea for all is to be familiar with support services around us – Things that weren’t relevant in 2019 to you or your circle may be now. Get to know what SKDP does and how we can help you, including operating the Local Employment Service (LES). The aim is to help guide those who are under/un-employed back to work and if your confidence has taken a dip, we can help build it up again.
Inevitably, the economic impact of Covid-19 means people you know could benefit from our expertise so let them know what we do and how we can help; here’s a sample:
* Need to upgrade your skills with training?
LES can direct you to courses or education suitable to you and give you support with it.
* Does your CV need an expert review?
LES do this all the time – ask us for our opinion on yours.
* Do you need help applying for Pandemic Unemployed Payment?
We are right here to help.
Although we’re unable to meet you in person during the current pandemic, we’re very happy to help you in other ways, so make contact now to get the ball rolling! Details of your nearest office beneath.
CahersiveenKillarneyKillorglinKenmareSneem
Head Office – West Main Street Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry
If there’s nothing there for you, get in touch with us as we have MANY resources other than eCollege available, some which you can’t access any other way.
