Begin Again 36-55 Age Group Wants Jobs
Men and women in the 3655 age bracket are the most active in trying to get back into the workforce, according to Begin Again, a career advancement programme developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).
Men account for almost two thirds (64pc) of participants amongst the 36–55 age bracket taking part in the programme, whilst women account for 60pc of participants in the second highest age bracket, 25–35 years.
There is a very low level of interest (4pc) amongst people in their late teens and early 20s (18–24 age group).
“It isn’t surprising that the 36–55 age bracket is the most active, as for the most part these are the people with the greatest amount of responsibility in terms of family and the homestead,” said Mike Gaffney, spokesperson for Begin Again.
“Significantly many of these people have already played important roles in the workforce and can offer potential employers a real depth of skills and experience. What is worrying, however, is the very low level of interest by the late teens early 20s age group. It is very important that we enable this age group find its way into the workforce and not become dependent on state support from an early age.”
The Begin Again programme, which was launched in 2010, has approximately 100 remaining work placements nationwide in a variety of roles. To date it has already placed over 500 unemployed people throughout Ireland.
Gaffney is urging more people to take a proactive first step and contact Begin Again.