Progressions launched at NCI

National College of Ireland (NCI) has launched Progressions, a workforce development initiative that seeks to place 300 people from communities across Ireland into sustainable jobs in financial services and related sectors over the next three years.

Claire Byrne, co-anchor of The Breakfast Show on Newstalk 106-108 fm, offically launched Progressions on Tuesday 10th March in front of 100+ guests, in the College Atrium. Principal sponsor State Street Corporation also helped launch the initiative, with support from its foundation. Other supporters attending the launch included Dermot Desmond and a wide range of industry experts. The programme will create meaningful job opportunities that will, in turn, help fill critical roles in the financial services industry and spur economic development.

In partnership with local offices and youth organisations supported by State Street, Progressions aims to provide training to those wanting to improve their on-the-job skills, such as in communications and technology. The initiative will target residents age 17 and older in the Docklands and inner city areas in Dublin, as well other historically disadvantaged communities.

“This initiative is both practical and innovative. Hundreds of people, from our local Docklands areas and across the country, will be given the chance to avail themselves of job opportunities in the financial services industry,” said NCI President Dr. Paul Mooney. “NCI has an established track record for giving people from all walks of life access to a higher education. Progressions helps us reinforce those efforts by providing yet another opportunity for individuals to realise their potential.”

Using the EU Commission’s Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs as a model, an advisory group will help develop Progressions, as well as open doors to sustainable domestic and European funding for the programme. The advisory group consists of industry representatives from State Street, Merrill Lynch, Citi Group, Investec and CPL.

“Despite the economic downturn, the financial services sector must demonstrate a commitment to job creation and to the communities in which we do business,” said William Slattery, head of State Street Ireland. “Progressions provides that opportunity, and we look forward to watching the students’ progress in the years ahead.”