A new Sports Industry Traineeship was officially launched by Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD. This traineeship is a collaboration between Ballyfermot Training Centre and the Federation of Irish Sport through a shared vision of supplying qualified and experienced workers to the sports industry.
Ballyfermot Training Centre has a long history of training in the area of sports and recreation. Pre Covid over 64,000 people were employed in the sports industry accounting for nearly 3% of the labour market. Since covid and the reopening of industry, a need for the supply of qualified sports workers arose and presented an opportunity for the Centre to develop a traineeship to meet the skills shortage. Through a number of focus groups, key skills for the sports industry were identified and the course was modelled to deliver those skills through on the job and off the job training.
A traineeship gives those on the course the opportunity to be placed with an industry partner for a minimum of 10 weeks, developing essential skills, and building relationships within the organisation. This model of traineeship in Ballyfermot Training Centre has seen 95% of trainees secure full time work with their host companies.
The course will launch in April 2023 and registration for those interested in the course is now open. Those who succeed in securing a place and completing the course will gain QQI and industry relevant certification that is recognised throughout the world.
City of Dublin ETB is looking forward to working with their new partners to successfully train and prepare their learners for a career in the sports industry. Further information can be found on www.ballyfermottrainingcentre.ie
Speaking about the Traineeship, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne TD, said, “collaboration between further education training centres and industry can ensure that skilled and enthusiastic workers enter the labour market with fit for purpose skills and a foundation of relevant work experience. Gaining qualifications is central to longevity in employment and this is excellently showcased in this new and exciting Sports Industry Traineeship. I am delighted to note that the traineeship will have its first intake of students in April 2023 and I am confident that the sports industry will positively benefit from this collaboration.”
Caroline Duggan, Assistant Manager of Ballyfermot Training Centre, said of the course, “this traineeship marks an important milestone for Ballyfermot Training Centre, ensuring that sport in Ireland, and in particular the greater Dublin Area, will benefit from the skilled trainees that learn their trade in our centre. Working closely with Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport, has allowed us to engage with a network of sports industry bodies and organisations, enabling the course to be developed to meet the varied needs in all areas of the sports industry, from sports development to facility operations. Sport is such an important vehicle in building communities. Our Training Centre, as part of City of Dublin ETB, value our relationships with both community and industry, and we look forward to working with the Federation of Irish Sport, Ireland Active, CARA, and the numerous NGB’s to ensure that we continue to grow and develop opportunities for those interested in working in the sport sector to enhance the sporting and physical activity opportunities for all.”
Mary O Connor, CEO, Federation of Irish Sport, said, “the traineeship is another important development for the sport industry in Ireland. The value of skilled trainees coming in to the sector builds capacity and creates opportunities for more people to participate in sport and physical activity, while ensuring that the sector also can ensure expertise and a diverse skillset in the workplace. The federation of Irish sport are delighted to work with Ballyfermot training centre on this innovative and forward thinking traineeship.”
Source: Federation of Irish Sport
