blogList

Here&#39;s a an interesting article by Barnaby Lashbrooke that looks at the weird coping rituals of CEOsThe late Steve Jobs would bathe his feet in the toilet water of the Apple restrooms to destress, according to his authorized biography by Walter Isaacson.Nintendo director Shigeru Miyamoto keeps himself sharp by carrying a measuring tape and challenging himself to correctly guess the length of different objects.And Tesla tycoon Elon Musk plans his entire day in five-minute intervals.Such behavior is not dissimilar to athletes mentally preparing themselves before events.Tennis legend Rafael Nadal strategically places his water bottles with their labels facing the end of the court he’s playing from, explaining: “It’s a way of placing myself in a match, ordering my surroundings to match the order I seek in my head.”Lashbrooke spoke to four entrepreneurs about their coping mechanisms and a psychologist to find out if such rituals really work in the pursuit of productivity, motivation or a less stressful work life.Jaclyn DiGregorio, founder of wellness brand Cusp It, starts every single day by handwriting all her goals for the year, pictures herself achieving them, and then behaves as though she has already met those goals.DiGregorio said:Say I’m trying to close the deal of a keynote speech next month. I will go buy an outfit to wear because I already have decided that I’m going to close this deal. I will get my hair and nails done and research travel arrangements. When I do close a deal, I feel like I’m on top of the world. I spoke it into existence and now it exists. To succeed as a startup founder, you have to want it really bad. You have to do whatever it takes to hit those goals.”Gaby Alves, co-founder of Tampon Tribe, flies a plane on days when work seems particularly stressful.She said:You have to make logical, strategic and accurate decisions under pressure. You simply can&#39;t blink while flying, training or learning commercial techniques because it is life-threatening if you make a mistake. You have to be super cool under pressure, trust 100% in your decisions, and implement them immediately. You also have the lives of others in your hands, so there is no room for error. For me, this is just like running a business, as mistakes can be costly, so it&#39;s perfect for learning to trust your instincts and being confident with what you know.”Alves added: “When you learn how to surpass fear and failure, you grow. I believe this is replicated when learning how to fly, and when you&#39;re working as an entrepreneur and in business; it is such a relief - relaxing, rewarding with an outcome of exhilaration and pure contentment.”Heather Andersen, founder of New York Pilates, always works at floor level because it “grounds her”.She added: I’m not a total hippy but sitting in a chair for long periods of time can be tied to chronic back pain, low energy, and higher blood pressure. Sitting on the floor or squatting has many health benefits like better digestion and healthier blood circulation, which is going to make you feel better and function more efficiently. And on top of the physical perks, the mental effects are huge.”Having tried lunchtime jogs around Copenhagen, Mads Hallas Bjerg, CEO of Denmark-based art and antiques appraisal site Mearto, finds challenging his colleagues to regular video gaming tournaments – specifically Command &amp; Conquer: Red Alert – works best for him.Bjerg said: Just 20 minutes of video gaming and the office is hyped with energy. It is super fun and works better for me than any meditation app when it comes to reducing my stress levels and increased my energy. You are totally zoomed in and no worries or negative thoughts can emerge in such an intense game. Afterwards, I feel energized, positive and it increases my focus and speed for the next several hours.”But does it work?He asked Sharon Peake, chartered occupational psychologist, business coach and founder of Shape Talent to explain how these rituals might help us, mentally, to perform better. She said: The power in the ritual is less about the ritual itself and more about creating the environment that enables the person to perform. For some people performance comes from a calm, relaxed state, for others it might be a focused state, and for others it may be a highly excited state. It is seductive to attribute the success of well known, successful individuals to their strange rituals – think Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg’s strategy of wearing the same outfit each day, in order to reduce time. However, this is where our cognitive biases reveal themselves, as we erroneously attribute their success to these rituals, not taking into account the many other personality and behavioral aspects associated with their success.”Peake added: “Some rituals have been proven to be helpful, particularly when it comes to stress reduction. Exercise, relaxation and breathing techniques, mindfulness, meditation and reflecting on the positive learnings from a negative situation can all ease stress by reducing cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone.”Source; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2019/02/12/do-the-weird-coping-rituals-of-ceos-like-steve-jobs-really-work/?fbclid=IwAR0I-zEISyOXhy0VHV3yvixdSrstdgWvn1-MxCJobFJu-ogMuHixZqDKIcI#4e98a1dd6fe1">https://www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2019/02/12/do-the-weird-coping-rituals-of-ceos-like-steve-jobs-really-work/?fbclid=IwAR0I-zEISyOXhy0VHV3yvixdSrstdgWvn1-MxCJobFJu-ogMuHixZqDKIcI#4e98a1dd6fe1</a>

Do The Weird Coping Rituals Of CEOs Like  the late Steve Jobs Really Work?

Director & Ideation Manager

Pamela Doyle

<h1></h1>Assystem Technologies and its affiliates have relaunched under a new brand – 18 months after taking over the operations of Assystem SA’s Global Product Solutions division, and following a series of acquisitions in 2018 including SQS – an industry-leading quality partner for digital business with a 500 people-strong presence in Ireland, the organisation becomes Expleo. The organisation announced €8m investment and the creation of 150 jobs. To help businesses harness technological change, Expleo offers access to sector-specific expertise and best practice across consultancy and business agility, product design, production and in-service support, as well as continuous quality.This unmatched service portfolio reflects the changing needs of the market where engineering and software are becoming increasingly intertwined.Source; <a href="http://www.engineersjournal.ie/2019/02/12/assystem-technologies-becomes-expleo-and-announces-creation-of-150-jobs-and-e8m-investment/?fbclid=IwAR39ld2bW6G6PiXtfaps5C_hxFyRizgQAnKxlrB7vFVfg927yUFpZrT99ww">http://www.engineersjournal.ie/2019/02/12/assystem-technologies-becomes-expleo-and-announces-creation-of-150-jobs-and-e8m-investment/?fbclid=IwAR39ld2bW6G6PiXtfaps5C_hxFyRizgQAnKxlrB7vFVfg927yUFpZrT99ww</a>Assystem Technologies has re-launched under the new name Expleo and is recruiting 120 new jobs at its Dublin offices.The 30 other positions will be filled at the company&#39;s Digital Labs in Belfast.The company is seeking experts in robotics, quality engineering, DevOps, project management and business agility.Hiring for the new roles has already begun.<h3>Re-launch</h3>Expleo Ireland Managing Director Phil Codd said: &quot;We are very excited to become Expleo today, which marks the start of a bold new chapter for the company across the island of Ireland.&quot;&quot;The key to this will be – and always has been – our people,&quot; he said.&quot;We have a rich digital ecosystem in Ireland and we plan to be an even greater driving force at the heart of that ecosystem, reinforcing Ireland’s position as a major player in the global digital economy.&quot;<h3>&quot;Welcome investment&quot;</h3>The Minister of State for Employment Pat Breen said he &quot;very much welcomed the new investment.&quot;&quot;We have a strong footprint of high-tech companies in Ireland and announcements like today’s are a reflection of our attractiveness to companies operating in high technology sectors,&quot; he said.&quot;This is a great vote of confidence in what we have to offer and I wish Expleo every success in their future operations in this country.&quot;IDA Executive Director Mary Buckley said the investment is a strong reflection of the thriving technology sector in Ireland.Expleo already employs 15,000 people in more than 25 countries and is aiming to &quot;pursue its growth organically and through acquisitions.&quot;The group aims to expand its operations around the world in the coming years - notably in Germany, North America and India.Source; <a href="https://www.newstalk.com/news/french-tech-firm-expleo-to-create-150-new-irish-jobs-486489">https://www.newstalk.com/news/french-tech-firm-expleo-to-create-150-new-irish-jobs-486489</a>

Expleo announces  €8m investment & creation of 150 jobs (Dublin & Belfast)

Dublin-based Lynk Taxis has invested more than €1m into its digital platform for its new &#39;Delivers&#39; courier service and intends on adding another 200 drivers this year.The company launched its personal-use courier service last week, which allows customers have anything from a lost wallet to an online delivery sent to them.Lynk claims that it differs to most courier services as it will collect and deliver packages &quot;at a time that suits you&quot;.Chief executive Noel Ebbs said he intends to increase the size of his delivery fleet this year. &quot;We have 45 drivers currently working, we want to increase that fivefold over the year to come. There certainly seems to be a market for it so I don&#39;t expect it to be all that difficult,&quot; he told the Sunday Independent.&quot;We currently deliver around 5,500 packages per week but we hope to get that up to around 30,000 by the end of the year.&quot;Under the current system drivers receive 80pc of the cost of the delivery, according to Ebbs.He said that is not &quot;traditionally&quot; the way it works but said the company wanted to attract drivers that &quot;felt they could make a living out of it&quot;.He added: &quot;The most common thing we&#39;re asked to deliver would be items of clothing. Perhaps someone is going out in the evening and it&#39;s a casual affair and they&#39;re wearing a suit. We might be asked to pick up a pair of jeans and T-shirt from the home.&quot;Ebbs also said that there were further plans around the collection of online deliveries that still needed to be &quot;fleshed out&quot;.He said that couriers earn anywhere between €60 and €160 a day depending on the number of packages they deliver.Some of the €1m investment was spent on developing a system that ensured drivers could not take on more than they could handle to help ensure that no deliveries were delayed.Late last year, Lynk also outlined plans to enter a food delivery service, pitting it against the likes of Uber Eats and Deliveroo.It is also in ongoing discussions with a &quot;very well known&quot; food chain about taking over deliveries for all of its outlets.Lynk also has partnerships with Offbeat Donuts and other food businesses.Source; <a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/jobs/taxi-firm-invests-1m-in-courier-service-37776853.html?fbclid=IwAR25V3b_7JEYb1d0xp3QtbXkbCHXqTYusfW1mqkG4NmU3s1hcojAGnTl0hU">https://www.independent.ie/business/jobs/taxi-firm-invests-1m-in-courier-service-37776853.html?fbclid=IwAR25V3b_7JEYb1d0xp3QtbXkbCHXqTYusfW1mqkG4NmU3s1hcojAGnTl0hU</a>

Taxi firm invests €1m in courier service

Three out of four Irish people think automation and robots will cause unemployment, a new survey claims.However, the iReach poll also says that most people believe robots will be good for the economy, estimating that the jobs under threat may exclude their own. The poll of 1,000 people found that just 16pc see &quot;no threat&quot; to employment in Ireland as advances are made in technology.And 76pc of Irish people believe that job automation will contribute to a rise in unemployment here. However, 55pc view job automation as &quot;positive for the Irish economy&quot;.Almost everyone (94pc) believes that &quot;large-scale job automation&quot; will occur at some point in the future, with just under half (46pc) predicting that it will happen &quot;in the very near future&quot;.As to what kind of automation might come next, two-thirds of us doubt that robot receptionists or assistants on wheels will become common in hotels or retail outlets.&quot;Fifty-six per cent predict that this robotic way of running a hospitality business will not become a threat in Ireland, with the top cited reason that a high level of customer service trumps a robot, as people want the personal touch,&quot; said iReach. Respondents&#39; experience of automated systems to date are dominated by self-checkouts (80pc), online check-ins (74pc) and ATMs (91pc).Recent research from the consultancy firm McKinsey estimates that jobs such as food preparation will be almost entirely wiped out by robots by 2040. However, it predicts that jobs such as software development will remain immune.The McKinsey research also predicts that job replacement will disproportionately affect men and the lower-paid.Source: Adrian Weckler . <a href="https://www.independent.ie/business/jobs/automation-poses-threat-to-irish-jobs-new-survey-finds-37759626.html?fbclid=IwAR3nzqLR-LnT8vxJDGZRz1fti8mscoxqPE7O2YMtTez1ab7QFwc4u5G5yVY">https://www.independent.ie/business/jobs/automation-poses-threat-to-irish-jobs-new-survey-finds-37759626.html?fbclid=IwAR3nzqLR-LnT8vxJDGZRz1fti8mscoxqPE7O2YMtTez1ab7QFwc4u5G5yVY</a>

Automation poses threat to Irish jobs, new survey finds

Tue, Feb 5, 2019, 17:35 Updated: Tue, Feb 5, 2019, 17:40 by Eoin Burke-KennedyIn Ireland, workers add an average of $99.50 (€87) to the value of the economy every hour they work, according to the OECD. Photograph: Suzie Howell/New York Times Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to Email AppShare to LinkedIn Irish workers are now officially the most productive in the world, adding an average of $99.50 (€87) to the value of the economy every hour they work, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).The Paris-based agency published figures on Tuesday showing the Republic had the highest rate of labour productivity, effectively economic output per hour of work, of any advanced economy in 2017.At the top of the OECD list was Ireland at $99.50, followed by Luxembourg ($98.50) and Norway ($83.10). The Republic’s rate was also significantly higher than its biggest trading partners, the United States ($72) and the UK ($61.10), and nearly twice the OECD average of $54.80.Labour productivity typically measures the value of work done in a given economy over time, with higher value-added jobs generating the greatest productivity increases.<ul><li>Unemployment remains at 5.3% as ‘dark cloud’ of Brexit looms</li><li>Lifting of US sanctions on Aughinish brings relief and controversy</li><li>UK services sector cuts jobs for first time in six years</li></ul>The Republic’s position at the top of the global rankings has a lot to do with the high concentration of multinationals here, which typically drive the biggest productivity gains.A recent Central Statistics Office report suggested labour productivity here grew by 4.5 per cent on average between 2000 and 2016 with a significant increase recorded in 2015, the same year that saw a massive influx of multinational assets and an unprecedented 26 per cent jump in gross domestic product (GDP), later derided as “leprechaun economics”.The report also highlighted a gulf between indigenous and foreign-owned firms. Productivity growth among foreign-owned entities averaged 10.9 over the period but was only 2.5 per cent for indigenous firms.<h4>Investment</h4>Nonetheless Cantor Fitzgerald economist Alan McQuaid described the OECD’s figures as “very encouraging”, suggesting “that even if things go pear-shaped on the Brexit front, the end result for Ireland Inc may not turn out as bad as some are predicting”.“In an era of increased automation (which of course in some cases can help workers increase productivity), with machine taking over from man/woman, it is a very positive sign that Ireland tops the league in terms of productivity, suggesting that while we can well and truly party, we also can work very hard,” he said.While acknowledging the multinational component of the figures, Mr McQuaid said they still left the Republic in a good position in terms of attracting in foreign investment.“Any business owner looking at moving out of Britain because of Brexit or any other country for that matter, and seeing those productivity figures, would be encouraged to come to Ireland, all other things, such as tax liability, property costs or internet access, being equal,” he said.Source: <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/irish-workers-now-ranked-as-most-productive-in-world-1.3783173">The Irish Times</a>

Irish workers now ranked as most productive in world

Director & Chief Biscuit Dunker

Sean Breen

Employment rates in Dublin are at their highest level in 20 years.The latest Dublin Economic Monitor shows almost 700,000 people are now employed in the capital, an increase of 33,000 in just over a year.Tourism in the capital is up over 14%, owing to an increase in visitors from the US, Germany and China while retail sales are up 7% on the previous 12 months.In the housing market, residential rents are now at record levels while the cost of property continues to rise, but at a slower rate.Senior Economic Development Officer at Dublin City Council, Steven O&#39;Gara, says the high rate of employment in the capital is down to a mix of international and indigenous companies.&quot;This is a hugely positive bounce back in the story of the recovery and the creation of jobs, predominantly by small and medium enterprises in the Dublin city and region,&quot; said Mr O&#39;Gara.&quot;But also the international cohort of FDI [foreign direct investment] who are coming in and creating jobs. We&#39;re seeing almost continuous updates over the last couple of weeks of large scale foreign direct job creation coming into the city and region.&quot;

Dublin's employment rates at highest level in 20 years

Dream job? Cruise line seeks &#39;Shore Explorer&#39; to travel the world for over €2,000 a weekRoyal Caribbean is offering the ultimate &#39;apprentice-ship&#39; for the Instagram generation, says Pól Ó Conghaile.Wanna get paid over €2k per week to visit glaciers in Alaska, go white water rafting in Norway or ride an urban zip wire in Dubai?Of course you do... and of course there&#39;s a catch. You enter via competition, and the dream job lasts just a couple of weeks.Royal Caribbean International has launched a search for a &quot;Global Experience Hunter&quot; - an &quot;apprentice&quot; it says it will pay £6,000/€6,850 over at least three weeks spent cruising around Japan, Alaska, Europe and the Middle East.The &quot;Shore Explorer&quot; will seek out and test &quot;extraordinary shore experiences&quot; in jaw-dropping locations including CocoCay, a private island in the Caribbean, sharing their footage and photos on Instagram, Insta Stories and IGTV. Oh, and you&#39;ll also get £50/€57 a day for expenses.It follows a similar &quot;intern-ship&quot; offered two years ago, which saw Russ Francis appointed Royal Caribbean&#39;s &#39;Instagrammer in Chief&#39;. Indeed, the successful candidate will work together with Francis on the dream job assignment.How does it work? In a sign of the times, candidates are being invited to apply by sharing their best travel experience on Instagram, tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ShoreExplorer. Entries close on March 1, and the winner will be chosen by a judging panel including Francis, James McVey of The Vamps, Ben Bouldin of Royal Caribbean and influencer and travel writer Nadia El Ferdaoussi.So, what does the perfect candidate need to apply?T&amp;Cs stipulate that applicants should be 21 or older, live in the UK or Ireland, hold a valid passport and be able to drop everything to travel between May and August for at least three, and up to four, consecutive weeks if required.Royal Caribbean is seeking &quot;someone who has a passion for travel, exploration and seeking out new and extraordinary experiences around the world,&quot; McVey says. &quot;And, of course, they have to be brilliant at sharing their adventure online too!”Royal Caribbean was voted Ireland&#39;s Favourite Cruise Line in the Irish Independent&#39;s Reader Travel Awards 2019, and its fleet includes the largest cruise ship in the world - Symphony of the Seas, which launched last year.The search for a &#39;Shore Explorer&#39; follows new research commissioned by the cruise line, which reveals Irish millennials are adopting a ‘do it’ rather than ‘own it’ attitude on holidays. Over half (56pc) claim they would rather spend their money on memorable experiences over material possessions (27pc), it says.The survey also provides a clue as to why Royal Caribbean is immersing itself in Instagram... 30pc of those surveyed have booked a holiday or experience after seeing someone posting about it on the social platform, it found.Source: <a href="https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/cruise/dream-job-cruise-line-seeks-shore-explorer-to-travel-the-world-for-over-2000-a-week-37785829.html?fbclid=IwAR1lPblIhhwVHtO08tQkfcCDpQ4PDfAhv17jn-hCv2x1uutheQOmy-B_63s">Independent.ie</a>Competition Details:THE SHORE EXPLORER APPRENTICE-SHIP Here at Royal Caribbean we have a flair for the extraordinary, especially when it comes to awe-inducing travel and adventure.So much so that last year, we appointed photographer extraordinaire, Russ Francis (@russ_francis) to capture epic content from around the world as our official Instagrammer-in-Chief. But with 25 of the world’s most innovative ships (soon to be 26 with Spectrum of the Seas joining our fleet in 2019!) visiting over 250 remarkable destinations worldwide, we know that finding and capturing all of this is a job bigger than just one man.And that’s where you come in! We are now expanding the team as applications open for the first ever Shore Explorer Apprentice-Ship.Our Instagrammer-in-Chief is hunting for a bold traveller to act as his new apprentice for three weeks. Applicants can leave their tea making and photocopying skills at the door. They’ll instead be charged with exploring the world to test and capture the extraordinary on-land experiences that guests can enjoy on a Royal Caribbean holiday – and if that wasn’t enough, they’ll be paid the equivalent of a six-figure salary for their troubles!Recruited via Instagram, our Shore Explorer Apprentice-Ship is the job of a lifetime and will see the successful candidate heading to…HOW TO APPLY?Applicants can apply for the position by posting their most extraordinary travel story on Instagram (including Instagram Stories and IGTV), tagging @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ShoreExplorer. Must be aged 21 years or over. The successful candidate will meet the following criteria:1. User of Instagram on a daily basis (with extensive knowledge of all 40 filters, editing, video content/Stories and IGTV)2. Ability to take stunning photos and videos (Instagram stories) that capture the essence of an extraordinary experience for others3. Willingness to travel4. Unyielding hunger for amazing experiences and daredevil nature – must be willing to try new things5. Must be proficient on social media6. Must be available to travel for three consecutive weeks from May-August 2019What is the Shore Explorer Apprentice-Ship?The successful candidate will be responsible for capturing and sharing the incredible destinations and extraordinary adventures Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy on their holiday on social media. You’ll also be tasked with trialling and providing feedback on the shore excursions in each destination.As part of the experience, you will receive:A number of different shore excursions across the full itinerary, as determined by Royal Caribbean. The successful candidate will be given various options to choose from in each destinationA cheque for £6,000 upon completion of the three-week trip, based on an annual salary of £104,000 p/aFree roam of all destinations visitedAll hotel stays, all transfers and all necessary economy flights. It also includes hotel gratuities, standard meals, non-alcoholic drinks, a Wi-Fi allowance, plus daily expenses to the value £50 GBP per dayUniform: BYO swimmers, sandals &amp; shades. Hiking boots/running shoes also recommendedApply now:Apply for the position on Instagram now to be in with a chance of securing the best job the world has to offer! Tag @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ShoreExplorer in your travel story, via an Instagram Post, Story or IGTV.Applications close 23:59 on 1st March 2019Judges decision is final. Judging criteria and entry T&amp;C’s can be found here <a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/shore-explorer/terms-and-conditions/">https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/shore-explorer/terms-and-conditions/</a>More info here: <a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/shore-explorer">https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/shore-explorer</a>

Royal Caribbean will pay you €2,000+ per week to travel the world

<h1>Centra Delivers Record Sales of €1.63 billion in 2018 With Plans To Open 25 New Stores And Add 375 New Jobs This Year</h1>25 new stores to open, along with 80 revamps, as part of an €35 million investment; Centra continues to redefine the convenience market as the breakfast roll makes way for healthy alternatives like Cold Pressed Turmeric Shots and Paleo Superbowls;4th February 2018: – Ireland’s leading convenience retailer Centra registered a new record in 2018 after hitting sales of €1.63 billion, an increase of 3.6% year on year, further cementing the brand’s position as number one in the convenience market.The convenience retailer plans to build on this momentum by opening 25 new stores across the country this year, as well as refreshing 80 stores, as part of a €35 million investment, which will see 375 jobs added to the Centra network. The revamp programme will see Centra rolling out the latest thinking in the convenience market that will meet new trends and provide shoppers with a seamless shopping experience.The launch of the retailer’s new premium “Inspired by” Centra range last July, which includes products like Cold Pressed Turmeric Shots and Paleo Superbowls, reflects the evolving taste of the Irish consumer who is more health conscious and looks for premium products. Since its launch last July, the range has already recorded €6.3 million in sales and it continues to grow rapidly.The Frank and Honest gourmet coffee offering available in Centra has been a real success, quickly establishing itself as the number one coffee brand in Ireland and recording a 40% growth in coffee volume in 2018. Frank and Honest’s popularity has been further built upon with the launch of capsule and whole bean ranges for the at home market, a range of coffee accessories and the roll out of instore cafes.Building on its successful introduction of new brands, this year Centra is rolling out a new ice cream brand – Moo’d – to over 200 stores, adding a further seven products to the range and launching new take-home packs in three flavours. Combining the best Irish dairy and Italian ingredients, a unique delicious ice-cream range has been created to offer a contemporary take on an Irish favourite.Speaking at the Centra conference at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Martin Kelleher, Centra Managing Director, said: “Our record sales performance is testament to the dedication of over 463 Centra store owners across the country who provide market leading stores in convenient locations and our ongoing investment in shaping the future of the convenience market. Responding to consumers, retailers and market trends, Centra has developed a healthier offering and innovative range unrivaled by competitors. We plan to continue our expansion through new initiatives like our Inspired by Centra luxury range, Moo’d ice cream and Frank and Honest Coffee along with driving innovation across all areas of the store.”“In the past, convenience stores would have been synonymous with the breakfast roll but walking into a Centra today illustrates how the concept has been revolutionized with products like Cold Press Tumeric Shots and Paleo Salads. We aim to stay one step ahead of the competition in this respect by ensuring we stay close to the modern Irish consumer who is looking for health alternatives, innovative ranges and great quality food for those short on time”.With over 463 stores, Centra employs almost 11,000 people and serves over three million customers per week. Centra invests more than €240 million in local communities per annum, which is the equivalent of €4.5 million per week through a combination of payments to local suppliers, acquisition of local business services, wages, charitable donations and local sponsorships.To keep an eye on jobs at Centra click here; <a href="https://www.musgravecareers.com/">https://www.musgravecareers.com/</a>Source;<a href="https://www.musgravegroup.com/2019/02/04/centra-delivers-record-sales-of-e1-63-billion-in-2018-with-plans-to-open-25-new-stores-and-add-375-new-jobs-this-year/">https://www.musgravegroup.com/2019/02/04/centra-delivers-record-sales-of-e1-63-billion-in-2018-with-plans-to-open-25-new-stores-and-add-375-new-jobs-this-year/</a>

€35 million Investment at Centra to add almost 400 New Jobs Nationwide

Failte Ireland are recruiting for a number of roles at the moment and the salary on offer is seriously appealing.Three positions are currently advertised but job seekers should make sure they act quickly as the closing dates for applications are later this week.The tourism body are looking to recruit a Head of Consumer Planning and Insight, Marketing Communications Manager and Marketing Communications Officer.Describing the Head of Consumer Planning role, Failte Ireland say: &quot;You will have previously worked as a senior consumer planner within a large corporate organisation or research agency where you will have extensive strategic development, consumer planning and research methodology experience.&quot;Overseeing a strong consumer planning team, you will have clear leadership skills and experience in managing people and working cross functionally with other teams and stakeholders.&quot;You will also be able to demonstrate excellent relationship management of agencies and a range of external partners.&quot;The salary on offer is between €83,428 and €105,213, with applications accepted until 12 noon on Wednesday, 6 February.The Marketing Communications Manager is required to have previously worked as a marketing manager within a large corporate organisation or a comparable role within a marketing agency or similar company.Failte Ireland say: &quot;Part of a strong marketing team, you will have clear leadership skills and experience in managing people and working cross functionally with other teams and stakeholders.&quot;You will also be able to demonstrate excellent relationship management of agencies and a range of external partners.&quot;The salary is between €55,324 and €87,231, with applications closing at 12 noon on Thursday, 7 February.Applicants for the Marketing Communications Officer position are asked to demonstrate excellent relationship management of agencies and a range of external partners.The salary range is between €46,813 and €66,693, with application accepted until 12 noon on Thursday, 7 February.Full job specs can be found on the <a href="http://www.failteireland.ie/Footer/Careers.aspx">Failte Ireland website . </a>Original Source; <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/other/failte-ireland-are-hiring-and-the-pay-is-incredible/ar-BBT9GeR">MSM.com</a>

Failte Ireland are hiring and the pay is incredible - Closing this Week!

Parents and teachers are being urged to encourage more students to register for Apprenticeships as Ireland faces a chronic shortage that&#39;s driving a surge in costs and delaying vital building projects.That is the view of training centre manager Dave Tracey, who has stressed there are huge rewards for students and has urged teachers and parents to do a re-think.An alarming survey revealed only 30 people registered for apprenticeships in 2017 as plasterers compared to 300 who signed up as trainees 13 years ago.Meanwhile, 45 people signed up as apprentice painters which was a 72% drop since 2006 and bricklayers slumped from 679 to 65.Mr Tracey, a carpentry and joinery training manager at Sisk, said after the demise of the Celtic Tiger “employers stopped taking on apprentices, obviously there was no work so there was no future”.He added: “An apprenticeship is a four-year programme and it’s a four-year commitment from an employer to be fair.“So when things started picking up again in the last two-to-three years there has definitely been a massive skills shortage.“And this all goes back to secondary schools where career guidance teachers, principals and students even for that matter, there’s no drive on going into construction and apprentices in particular.“Prices are going up and the challenge is because of the lack of skills there is a lack of quality.“There’s a lack of delivery because there’s contractors that would like to take on more work but the supply chain is not there to deliver those jobs.”Some of the key highlights of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 transport plan announced last year include a metro rail link from Dublin Airport to the city centre and Swords at a cost of €3billion and three new hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway.Mr Tracey, who started at Sisk himself as a apprentice carpenter in 1983, added: “A contractor could have a big contract and you have a certain amount of weeks to deliver a programme but the sub-contractors don’t have the men and they’re maxed-out.”“So in our 2040 plan, will we be able to deliver that? There are challenges.“We need more people coming into our industry, more craft people and we definitely need young people coming into our industry because they’re our next managers, our next leaders.”Mr Tracey said most of the work is in Leinster and Dublin in particular so it’s costing more and is taking longer to travel. He told how the housing market is a big part of the problem and added: “Construction workers would love to live in Dublin but they can’t because the housing is too dear and there’s a lack of supply.“That has an effect on our industry, there’s no doubt about it.”The carpentry expert said the lack of job security has led to a huge decline in young people taking up apprentices in “wet trades” such as bricklaying, plastering, painting and tiling.He added: “The reason being is it’s so easy to get on the phone and ring an agency and say I want 10 plasterers here.“And the job is finished then in 10 weeks time and that’s it [and they can] make the call and say ‘I’m finished with them lads, take them back’.“But that’s a short-term fix. Long term it’s not good for the industry and not only that it’s not good for the employee because they’re only getting 10 weeks work and then coming up to Christmas they could be laid off.“So there’s no security and people are committed to mortgages and loans and other things.“We need more people coming into our industry and we definitely need more young people because they’re our next managers, our next leaders.” An estimated 65,000 people left the construction industry during the recession but last year 1,000 new jobs were being created every month.Mr Tracey said: “We have to educate our young people and we have to promote apprenticeships and our industry. We’re going to schools and career fairs, but our biggest plug now is to get at employers.Sean Carter, 20, said a Sisk presentation at Holy Family Community School in Rathcoole, Dublin, convinced him to train as an apprentice carpenter and joiner with Sisk. His grandad was a skilled carpenter and tradesman and three of his uncles qualified as a carpenter, an electrician and a plumber respectively.The third year apprentice added: “The first time I thought about doing it was when Sisk came into the school and did a presentation about the whole apprenticeship and what it entailed and all of the details.“And that’s when my woodwork teacher Charlie Hill took me and five other lads aside and said, ‘Why not put in a CV and try’.“We were the ones that were always listening, always interested, always trying to do a bit more.“The career guidance beforehand, before Sisk came in, there was no real pointers towards apprenticeships at all.“It was kind of all CAO, college courses.”Sally Jean Doherty, 26, completed a fitness course and worked in that industry for three years before she started her carpentry apprenticeship at Sisk last October. She said: “A few of my friends did the college side and the other half [three men] did apprenticeships.Sally, who began training as an apprentice carpenter and joiner three months ago, added: “I’m the only girl [in my programme] at the moment.“Women are normally moved towards CAO courses and going to college and following that route.“If you’re pulled aside in school and told you’d be good for an apprenticeship you’re usually a guy.“Hopefully that’s going to change now in the next few years because I feel like it doesn’t matter what gender you are.“If you’re hardworking and you enjoy something you should be able to do it.”Original Source; <a href="The Irish Mirror 4.2.19"></a><a href="https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/chronic-shortage-apprentices-driving-surge-13948550?fbclid=IwAR1-4c0U1t8gwLfQH2tZhCcO1YnhdLZ09XYaxxA03Ujj89MWwat49iPsgoU">The Irish Mirror</a> - 4/2/2019More Information Articles on Apprenticeships;<h1>New Apprenticeship Sharing Scheme Launched - 2,500+ Apprentices Required</h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/new-apprenticeship-sharing-scheme-launched-2-500-apprentices-requ">https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/new-apprenticeship-sharing-scheme-launched-2-500-apprentices-requ</a><h1></h1><h1>New apprenticeship scheme seeks to close skills gap in manufacturing</h1><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/new-apprenticeship-scheme-seeks-to-close-skills-gap-in-manufactur">https://www.jobalert.ie/blog/new-apprenticeship-scheme-seeks-to-close-skills-gap-in-manufactur</a>

Chronic Shortage of Apprentices 

Limited Fully Funded Places Available! Part Time Springboard+ QQI Level 6 Practical Entrepreneurship CourseOpen to Employed and Unemployed ParticipantsThis highly interactive programme starts on 23rd February 2019 in conjunction with The Entrepreneurs Academy!The course is Springboard+ funded and QQI accredited and is delivered very flexibly over 16 weeks, so it&#39;s suited for both employed and unemployed applicants. 1.5 days per week (Saturday full day and Thursday evening from 6:30pm to 9:30pm) at Griffith College, South Circular Road, Dublin 8.This is one of The Entrepreneurs Academy’s most successful programmes and is aimed at helping people transition into self-employment, especially those who are unemployed and want to progress to BTWEA. It is also fully funded for employed persons as it helps them build entrepreneurial / intrapreneurial skills to bring creativity and resilience to their current or future roles.If you’d like to register for more information on this course click here; <a href="https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/all-courses/practical-entrepreneurship-learn-to-work-for-yourself/">https://entrepreneursacademy.ie/all-courses/practical-entrepreneurship-learn-to-work-for-yourself/</a> Or if you’re ready to apply for your place register here now; <a href="https://springboardcourses.ie/details/6539">https://springboardcourses.ie/details/6539</a>A free information session will be held on Tuesday 12th of February, 5:30pm to 7pm in Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (just at the Abbey Street Luas Stop) <a href="https://www.wynnshotel.ie/location.html">https://www.wynnshotel.ie/location.html</a>. A Trainer will go through the course overview and give attendees a better idea about what to expect.The session normally lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours. Our Springboard team will also be around to answer any questions you might have. Those interested should confirm attendance by emailing springboard@entrepreneursacademy.ie or calling Rebecca on 01 4197000.

Limited Places Available! Part Time QQI Level 6 Entrepreneurship  Course

Computer chip makers Intel have announced a massive expansion of their facility in Leixlip.The US company this week unveiled plans for the ambitious expansion that will see two new manufacturing facilities, that would be almost twice the size of Dubdrum Twon Centre, built at the Kildare site.The company had plans for an additional 90,000 sq m factory approved in 2017.They have now lodged plans for another 110,000 sq m facility, reports the Sunday Times.The company announced in September that they would be investing more in its factories in Ireland, America and Israel to meet chip demand.General Manager of Intel Ireland, Eamonn Sinnott, said the company would be &quot;actively engaging&quot; with the local community in relation to the proposed expansion.The technology giant currently employs around 4,500 people at the Leixlip site.As well as the huge new factory, the plans include support buildings, water treatment plants and an &quot;air separation unit&quot; that would have towers of up to 63m high.The company also plans to make changes to the main entrance to the plant and the internal roads.Source; <a href="https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/business/intel-massive-expansion-leixlip-campus-15773126">https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/business/intel-massive-expansion-leixlip-campus-15773126</a>

Intel to invest billions into massive expansion of Leixlip site

THE first tenant has been confirmed for the €40m logistics hub in Baldonnell, which to date has employed more than 740 people in construction and has seen South Dublin County Council reap €2.3m in developer fees.In 2015, Mountpark Logistics EU purchased the 35-acre site at Barney’s Lane on the N7 for the development of the logistics hub.After a lengthy planning process, which resulted in An Bord Pleanala granting permission in April 2017, the sod was turned on the development in early 2018.Lying on Barney’s Lane on the N7, which lies between Casement Aerodrome and Baldonnell Business Park, the logistics hub is conveniently close to the M50, the Outer Ring Road, N81 and N4.The site is also well connected to key business parks in South County Dublin including Citywest, Grange Castle in Clondalkin and Greenogue in Rathcoole.This week, Mountpark Logistics announced that it has concluded an agreement with its first tenant, Home Store and More.The Irish-owned homeware providers opened its first store in Tallaght in 2004, now has a chain of 22 outlets in 16 counties.According to Home Store and More Chief Financial Officer, Tristan Geoghegan, moving into the logistics hub will enable the company to manage all storage and distribution under one roof – and create job opportunities.“The new state of the art logistics unit will give us the control and flexibility to manage the storage and distribution of all our products”, Mr Geoghegan said.“We believe a distribution centre is mission critical to any business and this project will assist us in making it more efficient, ensuring our products are in the right place at the right time. “This project will support our expansion plans and is part of our long term strategic roadmap, building on excellence, making sure we can deliver for our customers.”Speaking following the announcement, Mountpark Logistics Managing Director Philip O’Callaghan said: “The new Home Store and More warehouse has been designed with the client in mind. “We have designed a building which meets their specific needs, right down to the specification of their forklifts.”Work on Home Store and More’s 203,500 sq ft unit is currently underway, with a completion date scheduled for mid-August.An announcement is expected on a second tenant shortly.According to Mountpark, more than 740 people have to date being employed in building the logistic centre, while the development has been subject to €2.3m in development charges to South Dublin County Council.Source; <a href="http://www.echo.ie/news/article/first-new-tenant-confirmed-for-40m-logistics-hub">http://www.echo.ie/news/article/first-new-tenant-confirmed-for-40m-logistics-hub</a>

Home Store and More - First New Tenant at €40m Logistics Hub 

By Pat McGrathWestern Correspondent150 new jobs are to be created in Co Mayo by an American firm, as part of its first expansion outside of the US.Meissner Filtration Products is setting up a manufacturing facility in Castlebar and will fill the positions over the next five years. The company says it will be operational in early 2020 and that the initial number of jobs is a conservative estimate of the potential for employment in the west. Meissner has acquired a building that was constructed by IDA Ireland in Castlebar and it plans to triple the size of its operation in the town in due course. The company&#39;s founder, Chris Meissner, said the availability of a new 34,000 square foot facility significantly reduced the set-up time for its Irish expansion. The site was chosen following a detailed analysis of a number of prospective locations around Europe. The announcement is seen as a boost for the Co Mayo town and comes after a number of similar announcements in recent years failed to deliver on the numbers of jobs promised. The IDA has constructed a number of so-called Advanced Technology Buildings on sites around the country. These provide adaptable premises that can be specifically tailored to the particular requirements of different industries. The agency&#39;s Executive Director, Mary Buckley, said today&#39;s announcement was a vote of confidence in the initiative and an indication of the investment potential in the regions. Source: <a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0201/1026899-meissner-filtration-products-jobs/">https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2019/0201/1026899-meissner-filtration-products-jobs/</a>

US firm Meissner to create 150 jobs in Castlebar

ALDI have announced they are looking for people to fill 14 positions in their Kerry stores.They have seven stores in Kerry in Tralee (2), Listowel, Castleisland, Killorglin and Killarney and Kenmare.The jobs are for Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager and Store Assistant positions. Yesterday, the German retailer announced it is set to hire 500 new staff in Ireland this year and open seven new stores.Aldi Ireland also confirmed that it will introduce a new minimum rate of pay of €11.90 per hour, matching the living wage rate recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group. The new rate of pay will be effective from February 1. For more on the jobs, <a href="https://www.aldirecruitment.ie/apply/">click here</a>.Original Source: <a href="http://traleetoday.ie/aldi-looking-to-fill-14-positions-in-kerry/">Tralee Today.</a>

Aldi is hiring for 14 Positions at stores in Kerry

Aldi is recruiting 20 new employees across its stores in Meath. Opportunities are now available for store manager, assistant store manager and store assistant positions at Aldi’s five Meath store - Kells, Ashbourne, Trim, Navan and Clonee.
Aldi Ireland also announced a new minimum rate of pay of €11.90 an hour, matching the Living Wage rate recommended by The Living Wage Technical Group. The move reaffirms Aldi’s position as Ireland’s highest paying supermarket and will make Aldi the first grocery retailer to pay The Living Wage Technical Group’s €11.90 rate. The new rate will be effective from the 1st February 2019. 
Aldi has been Ireland’s highest paying supermarket for over a decade with store employees earning up to €14.00 per hour in Ireland. Aldi has a clearly defined career path for store employees and many have progressed from Store Assistant through to Store Manager. It plans to recruit over 500 new staff across the country in 2019. Donald Mackay, Managing Director Aldi Naas Region said: “We are seeking to recruit 20 new employees this year for our stores in Meath. We need the very best people to join the Aldi team to help us continue to deliver the highest level of customer service and lowest grocery prices in Ireland.”
“We plan on hiring 500 new employees this year to join the Aldi team and contribute to our growth and success. We need the very best people to join our business to help us continue to deliver the highest level of customer service and lowest grocery prices in Ireland. Our expanding store portfolio, market performance and new Project Fresh stores demand that we continue to future proof our business with the best people in retail.”
 
Aldi is Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket and has now captured a 10.8% share of Ireland’s grocery market, experiencing its busiest Christmas week ever in 2018, with sales value up over 10% on the previous year. Aldi welcomed an additional 270,000 new customers to its stores in 2018. It is currently engaged in a new store opening programme, while also investing €60m in revamping and refurbishing its existing stores nationwide, introducing its Project Fresh design and layout. 
 
Full details of the different roles and pay offered by Aldi are available at <a href="https://www.aldirecruitment.ie/">https://www.aldirecruitment.ie</a>.Original source: <a href="https://www.meathchronicle.ie">https://www.meathchronicle.ie</a>

News