Rethink Ireland, with the support of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and BNY, has launched the Empower Tech Futures Fund, a three-year initiative designed to help vulnerable young adults aged 18-30 access employment opportunities, particularly in digital and technology sectors. The fund will support up to five projects or organisations over three years, with a specific focus on the Dublin and Cork regions.
Tackling Employment Barriers for Young Adults
The Empower Tech Futures Fund aims to reduce disparities in employment access by scaling the impact of organisations working with young people facing multiple barriers, including:
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Limited career awareness and job opportunities
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Lack of technical and digital skills required by employers
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Insufficient social networks and support systems to thrive in the workplace
By funding initiatives that provide career guidance, coaching, skills development, and work placements, the programme will help young adults overcome these challenges and transition into sustainable employment.
Funding and Support
Each of the selected projects will receive cash grants of up to €240,000, alongside a tailored package of non-financial supports, including:
- A place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme
- Business and capacity-building support, covering strategic planning, impact measurement, communications, and fundraising
- Access to Rethink Ireland’s extensive networks
Who Can Apply?
The fund is open to organisations/projects directly supporting young people aged 18-30 from disadvantaged areas into employment, with a strong focus on digital and technology skills in Dublin and Cork.
Application Process
Interested organisations can apply online and are encouraged to attend the upcoming application clinics on 3rd April 2025 and 17th April 2025 for further guidance.
This initiative represents a significant investment in Ireland’s future workforce, ensuring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in an evolving job market.
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Recruit.ie also organise Jobs Expo, Ireland’s leading jobs and employment fairs.
Take a look at upcoming Jobs Expos around Ireland.
What can you expect at Jobs Expo?
- Employers actively recruiting for hundreds of jobs at home and abroad
- Specialised areas dedicated to jobs in particular industries
- The Career Clinic offering one-on-one CV, job seeking and career advice from professional career guidance counsellors
- A packed seminar timetable on important and topical issues by a range of industry experts
Career Clinic
The Career Clinic offers the chance for attendees to meet with professional development coaches. They can help candidates with crucial issues such as interview skills, CV presentation and changing career direction.
Agenda Stage
Jobs Expo’s Agenda Stage will host talks on a variety of topics including jobseeking skills such as using social media to land your dream job and interview techniques as well as a CV writing workshop. Other seminars include talks by industry insiders on a variety of career topics.