Cork jobseekers attend Software Skillnet’s KickSTART information evening

The KickSTART programme, an initiative of Technology Ireland Software Skillnet, in partnership with Cork-based virtualisation company VMWare and cybersecurity firm Varonis, trains unemployed people from diverse backgrounds for open roles in technology companies.

Over 300 people have completed KickSTART in the last 6 years. KickSTART participants emerge primed and ready for employment and are now enjoying exciting roles as technical support engineers, IT analysts, project managers, solution engineers, IT sales associates and systems operations engineers. Tuesday’s information evening in Ballincollig, Cork attracted 100 prospective participants for this year’s programme.

KickSTART was developed by Technology Ireland Software Skillnet in partnership with leading Cork tech firms. It is funded by Skillnet Ireland, which received a 29% increase in funding in this week’s budget, recognising the reach and importance of the national agency responsible for the promotion and facilitation of workforce learning. The outlook is positive for jobseekers joining the tech sector through the KickSTART programme, augmenting the workforce for tech sector firms constantly seeking new talent pools to meet the global competitiveness challenges of today and in the future.

“Tech companies want people with a balance of skills across commercial, professional and technical competences,” explains Maire Hunt, Director of Software Skillnet, adding “With the right training and support, almost anyone can join the tech sector. That is why we launched the KickSTART programme to give job seekers and new graduates from all areas a fast track route into the sector.”

During the full-time training programme participants gain new skills and qualifications which are in high demand across the sector. The programme runs on company sites and includes experience through being paired with company staff, to give participants an ‘insider’ experience of the sector

The programme runs over four months, commencing in November. Further information is available at www.softwareskillnet.ie/kickstart