Research has shown that skills training courses with strong links to the marketplace offer the greatest chance of getting unemployed people back to work. The Northside Partnership has fully embraced this idea since its creation, resulting during the years 2001-2003 in a series of customised programmes designed and implemented in conjunction with:
- Eircom
- Tesco Ireland
- Conduit
- Fast Track to IT Limited
- Keelings Distributions
- Freshways (Kerry Group)
- Capita
- Hilton Hotels
Tesco Clarehall Regeneration Programme
An example of this kind of initiative is the Tesco Clarehall Regeneration Programme.
Tesco Ireland is one of the largest employers in the state. In July 2004 they opened a major new store on the Malahide Road in the heart of the Partnership catchment area. Tesco committed to employing a minimum of 100 local unemployed people and in particular were anxious to employ people from the Partnership's priority target groups.
Co-ordinated by the Partnership, working groups including representatives from Tesco, FAS and Mandate Trade Union were established to develop and design a pre-employment training programme for staff.
57 people were offered employment contracts upon completion of this 20 week FAS traineeship programme. In addition, of the 300 people now working in Tesco Clarehall, 171 are from the Partnership's catchment area - many of which were recruited through the Local Employment Service Network.
Employer Engagement – The Business Network
The Business Network is an organisation that actively encourages the private sector to engage in the work of the Northside Partnership. By identifying large-scale employment opportunities, the Partnership has been able to benefit its clients by developing innovative and relevant training and employment programmes.
For example, the setting up of workshops in areas such as health and safety, disability awareness, diversity awareness and starting your own business has helped to forge stronger links with the private sector.
Local employers have also given generous financial support to initiatives such as the Education Trust, which is supporting students from low-income families through third-level education. An Tanaiste has presented Corporate Social Responsibility Awards to 43 companies who have participated in the work of the Partnership, and this public acknowledgement has cemented the Partnership's relationship with employers.