Following the launch of the Strategy for the International Financial Services Industry in Ireland 2011-2016, which sets a goal for the industry to create 10,000 new jobs, the deadline for the FSI CareerStart Programme is fast approaching.
Financial Services Ireland (FSI) developed this training and work placement initiative to help the unemployed to enter the growing international financial services sector. The closing date for applications is 12 August.
The programme is open to experienced professionals or graduates who are out of work, as long as they have been on unemployment benefit for at least six months.
FSI director Brendan Bruen said the jobs target in the above-mentioned Government strategy was challenging, but achievable.
“Over the past 10 years, IFSC employment grew from 8,500 to 33,000. The job creation target is a realistic goal given the opportunities that exist across insurance, banking, fund administration and investment management, and the potential of the Green IFSC, payments and other emerging sectors,” he said.
“To achieve the aim of 10,000 new jobs, significant challenges will have to be overcome and existing activity has to be protected. The only way to do that is to ensure that the best possible environment for growth is maintained and to work constantly to improve Ireland’s attractiveness as a financial centre.”
The IFSC directly employs 33,000 people and contributes €1.4bn in corporation tax, and a further €700m in payroll taxes, according to a report published in 2010 by Accenture.
Photo, from left: Grainne McDermott, CACEIS Bank Director of HR and Training; Ruairí Quinn, TD, Minister for Education and Skills; participant from last year’s CareerStart Programme, Karla Wash, who was hired by CACEIS Bank; Brendan Bruen, director of Financial Services Ireland; participant from last year’s CareerStart Programme Catherine O’Neill, who was hired by Invesco
