National Employment Week is a forum focusing on the major social and economic issues surrounding employment in Ireland. It provides a unique opportunity for employment leaders to engage in a high level debate on the future of the Irish labour market.
The weeklong series of free breakfast briefings features a broad panel of speakers presenting current thinking and new ideas to promote sustainable employment and raise the skill base across Ireland. Each day focuses on a different employment theme, with the aim to highlight the prime sectors of our economy that are ripe for job creation and to promote job creation initiatives.
The week kicks off on Monday, 20th February with the launch taking place in the Convention Centre Dublin. Officiated by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, SME Employment Day sponsored by AIB will focus on “enabling SME job creation”. With 35% of our workforce employed in SMEs, it is clear that the success of this sector is a vital determinant of the wellbeing of the whole economy. Therefore speakers on this day ,which include Jim Power (Chief Economist, Friends First), Patricia Callan (CEO, Small Firms Association) and John Webb (Head of Business Banking, AIB), will discuss ways in which job creation can be encouraged in this sector.
Graduates take centre stage on Tuesday, 21st February, with Louise Phelan (VP EMEA, PayPal) and Julia Davenport (Fidelity Investments), to name a few, discussing current opportunities for Irish graduates, the skills gaps present in the Irish market and the solutions to bridge these gaps.
A lesser discussed but important topic on Wednesday – Mental Health & Employment Day sponsored by See Change will focus on creating workplaces where people can be open and positive about their own and others’ mental health. With the grips of an economic recession, many people suffer from work related depression as they feel more pressure than ever before to perform. Speakers on the day, which include Dessie Farrell (Chief Executive, Gaelic Players Association) and Dil Wickremasigne, will not only discuss the importance of reducing stigma, but also ways in which we can break down barriers to facilitate employment for candidates with mental health problems.
Thursday 23rd, Self Employment and Entrepreneurship day pushes our entrepreneurs into the spotlight. Ireland needs more entrepreneurs to help us return to economic prosperity, so this day has an excellent range of guest speakers across entrepreneurs, contracting experts and franchise experts which include Vincent Browne, Minister Richard Bruton, David Killeen and Michael Dineen. It is an opportunity for people from all disciplines and walks of life to learn more about becoming self-employed and to network and seek advice.
Finally to wrap up the week, the shining light in Ireland’s drive for maintaining and increasing employment – Foreign Direct Investment. Whilst the IDA and others’ successes should be celebrated we should not depend on them alone to promote, support and encourage international businesses to consider Ireland as a location for new operations. Speakers on the day include Barry O’Leary (Chief Executive, IDA), Kinglsey Aikins (Networking Matters), Senator Feargal Quinn and John Whelan (CEO, Irish Exporters Association who will all promote the concept of “Team Ireland” and what we all can do in bringing FDI to Ireland.
National Employment Week 20th-24th February 2012, is held in association with Monster, the Irish Times, Sigmar Recruitment and AIB.
For more information on National Employment Week 2012 or to register for any of the events see www.nationalemploymentweek.ie
