A key focus of the work of the Employment Programme development team is responding to the training needs of clients relevant to the current employment market. Liaison with the Local Employment Service Network is essential to the development of programmes that meet client requirements. Another key factor for the Employment Programme is links with employers.

Through the work of the Northside Partnership Business Network ongoing contact is maintained with employers and employment opportunities and necessary skills needs are identified.

Matching both the employer and the unemployed people's  training needs has resulted in the creation of a range of programmes that have successfully integrated clients of the Local Employment Service Network into employment. These programmes have dealt with employers such as Tesco Ireland, Eircom, Keelings Distributions Limited, Freshways (Kerry Group), Capita, Hilton Hotels and Aer Rianta.

Enterprise Development

The development of an entrepreneurial culture within the Northside Partnership's catchment area has always been to the forefront of the company's employment strategy.

Since 1993 almost 3,700 local unemployed people have been assisted into start-up, 3 enterprise centres have been built, and ongoing programmes are taking place in local schools to promote entrepreneurship.

Enterprise services provided by the Partnership include a one-to-one confidential information service, assistance in accessing loans and the development of business plans.