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The way we work has changed &amp; just like everything, working from home has both positives and negatives attached!It is easy to leave your desk in the evening feeling drained after a hard day at work, only to realise that your smartwatch has registered less than 1000 steps across the whole day! Keeping active at work does not have to be back-breaking or time-consuming, but every minute that we DO move is a minute well spent.There are many ways to incorporate movement into your daily work-from-home routine, here are a few of our tried and tested favourites:🚶🏽‍♀️Walking Meetings: Where possible, take a walk while discussing business over the phone - this can be a walk around your house, garden, or apartment complex - you may even suggest the same to your colleagues - Specialists say that you need just 30 minutes of walking every day to improve your cardiovascular fitness - all movement is good movement! 🏃🏽Mini-Breaks: Popping to the kitchen to put the kettle on? Why not try some light on the spot jogging while you wait for the kettle to boil, or see how many times you can touch your toes!🧍🏽‍♂️Standing: Try to incorporate standing into your working day, you may have a kitchen counter or similar area where you could stand to work for even a small amount of time each day.🌳Get Outside: Just because you are working from home does not mean you have to stay at home: ➡️ Book an exercise class for after work➡️ Plan an after-work walk ➡️ Walking for 15 minutes during your lunch break adds up to 1 hour and 15 minutes of extra activity to your working week - small changes can make a big difference. 🌅Create a Morning Plan: Taking away the commute is one of the pleasures of working from home, don&#39;t let this precious time go to waste - plan to get active for at least 20 minutes each day before work, you will never regret it &amp; you will enjoy that morning coffee so much more!👚Dress accordingly: If possible, dress in a way that leaves you ready to get active whenever you get a chance. Comfortable clothing can leave you feeling more prepared to exercise when the time is right!⌚Break It Down: For a lot of us &#39;work from homers&#39;, time is still scarce and many of us have extra responsibilities including children/pets / older family members, etc. If your time feels limited, consider the 15 minutes you spend scrolling on social media or reading blogs 😅 could you use these moments to get more active? Social media and streaming platforms have made it possible to have all the resources we need to stay fit and healthy at our fingertips, from YouTube to Food bloggers, there really is no excuse for improving our lifestyle from the comfort of our own homes.Here we have listed some of our favourite videos below, to help you get started on your work-from-home fitness journey: 💪🏽 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q06BFvKCEM">Joe Wicks 10 Minute Feel Good Workout</a>💓 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLXQXbXsZdI">5 Minute Desk Workout</a>💪🏽<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9oSPu0O0A"> Joe Wicks 15 Minute Ultimate Beginners Workout</a>💓 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zrs27EELJA">The Pilates Kitchen - Desk Pilates Movement Break</a>💪🏽 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAq9vV7gkrs">Real-Time Desk Exercises &amp; Stretches </a> Thought-provoking article:- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hPRXxIxsAQ">10 ways to be more active WFH</a> Another point to note is that our diet contributes to both our mental and physical health... Snacking on the job becomes an easy habit to form - but get this, snacking healthy can be just as easy as snacking unhealthy!Check out these desk snack ideas:<ul><li><a href="https://www.fooda.com/blog/14-healthy-snacks-at-work/">14 Healthy Snacks to keep at your Desk</a></li><li><a href="https://www.eatingwell.com/article/44651/healthy-snacks-to-stash-in-your-desk/">Healthy Snack to stash on your Desk</a></li></ul>Just remember: A 5-minute workout is better than no workout at all!

Staying Active While Working From Home

Minister Harris announces more than €40 million in supports for 405 new student accommodation beds at DCUFrom <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-higher-education-innovation-and-science/">Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science</a>Published on 7 March 2023Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has today announced a State investment of more than €40 million to support the delivery of 405 student accommodation beds in DCU.The funding was agreed at Government today, which also noted there is work ongoing with UCD, Trinity and UCC on similar projects, and will support the Housing For All strategy.Speaking today, Minister Harris said:<blockquote>“At the heart of this policy is a commitment to deliver more student accommodation. This is a policy departure for the State but we firmly believe an investment in student accommodation is an investment in our young people.</blockquote><blockquote>“By increasing the number of beds available, we are helping more people access accommodation and also helping to relieve some of the pressures in the housing market.</blockquote><blockquote>&quot;I really want to thank the President of DCU Daire Keogh and his team for their commitment and for working with us to provide this project. This follows similar success with University of Limerick, University of Galway and Maynooth University. And we will continue to work with others to get these projects over the line and delivering for the higher education sector.</blockquote><blockquote>“My department and I are working on a strategic policy and methodology for state supported student accommodation provision which I will update Government on by the end of June. This policy approach will acknowledge the importance of appropriate supply and affordability of student accommodation for our higher education sector in meeting the increasing student numbers and realising the commitment of government as set out in Housing for All.”</blockquote>Up to €41 million has been allocated for the new beds as part of the government initiative to activate purpose built student accommodation projects with planning permission.This is Phase 1 of the work with DCU.DCU President Professor Dáire Keogh said:<blockquote>&quot;Dublin City University warmly welcomes this major investment by the government, which enables us to press ahead with ambitious plans to construct accommodation for an additional 400 students on our Glasnevin campus.</blockquote><blockquote>“This construction of purpose-built, on-campus accommodation will alleviate the pressures on students, free up housing for families and support the Housing for All policy.</blockquote><blockquote>“We are grateful to Minister Harris for his determined leadership on this issue and hope that this project will provide a model for similar housing solutions on Higher Education campuses nationally.&quot;</blockquote>This funding will add 405 beds to the 667 new beds approved by Government last November.ORIGINAL SOURCE; <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a51e2-minister-harris-announces-more-than-40m-in-supports-for-405-new-student-accommodation-beds-at-dcu/">https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a51e2-minister-harris-announces-more-than-40m-in-supports-for-405-new-student-accommodation-beds-at-dcu/</a>

Over €40 million for new student accommodation at DCU

In February 2023 the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was:<ul><li>Down to 4.0% for males from a rate of 4.1% in January 2023, and from a revised rate of 4.5% in February 2022.</li><li>Unchanged at 4.7% for females from the January 2023 rate, and a decrease from the rate of 4.8% in February 2022.</li><li>At 10.2% for persons aged 15-24 years (youth unemployment rate), from a revised rate of 10.3% in January 2023.</li><li>Down to 3.4% for persons aged 25-74 years from a rate of 3.5% in January 2023.</li></ul>The Central Statistics Office (CSO) issued Monthly Unemployment Estimates results for February 2023.Commenting on today’s release, John Mullane, Statistician in the Labour Market Analysis Section, said:“The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2023 (for all persons aged 15-74 years) was down to 4.3% from 4.4% in January 2023,and down from a revised rate of 4.6% in February 2022. The rate of 4.3% in February 2023 was lower than the pre-pandemic level of 4.8% recorded in February 2020.In February 2023 the unemployment rate for males was 4.0% and for females was 4.7%.The seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed was 116,500 in February 2023, compared with 118,100 in January 2023. There was a decrease of 5,700 in the seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed in February 2023 when compared with a year earlier.The seasonally adjusted number of males unemployed fell to 56,800 in February 2023, compared with 58,400 in January 2023. In February 2023 the seasonally adjusted number of females unemployed remained unchanged at 59,700, when compared with January 2023.”The methodology for the Monthly Unemployment Estimates involves forecasting the number of persons who are unemployed using the trend in the recipient Live Register series. The Department of Social Protection is providing Working Age Income supports to people arriving in Ireland from Ukraine under the Temporary Protection Directive. The Live Register series includes recipients of these supports who have met the relevant criteria. This has impacted on the numbers of unemployed, primarily females, in these monthly estimates.<a href="https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mue/monthlyunemploymentfebruary2023/">CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS</a><a href="https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mue/monthlyunemploymentfebruary2023/"></a>IF YOU ARE A JOBSEEKER <a href="WWW.JOBALERT.IE">CLICK HERE </a>TO SEE ALL CURRENT JOB LISTINGS ON JOBALERT.IE<a href="https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-mue/monthlyunemploymentfebruary2023/"></a>

Latest Unemployment Rates Ireland

Apprenticeships are a wonderful opportunity to Earn and Learn and are available to candidates from 16 years of age in some cases. What is an apprenticeship?An apprenticeship is how people are trained in a craft trade or profession. You can get training in a traditional craft apprenticeship such as plumbing or carpentry or new apprenticeships such as accounting technician and IT.An apprenticeship programme provides on-the-job training with an employer, along with off-the-job training in an education centre. An apprenticeship can last 2 to 4 years, during which time you will train off the job in a college setting.When you complete an apprenticeship programme, you will get a recognised qualification at Level 5 or above on the NFQ framework.You can start an apprenticeship from age 16 to 18 years. depending on the apprenticeship programme. Types of apprenticeships A craft apprenticeship will generally last for 4 years, during which time you will spend 3 different periods in off-the-job training.Generally, the first off-the-job training phase will take place in an Education and Training Board (ETB) while the subsequent off-the-job training phases will be in a Technological University or Institute of Technology.The skills you develop will be assessed through on-the-job competence testing as well as off-the-job modular assessment and examinations and if you complete these assessments successfully, you will be awarded an Advanced Certificate – Craft (level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications).Craft apprenticeships include carpentry, plumbing, motor mechanics and electrical apprenticeships.New apprenticeships in other areas of industryApprenticeships introduced from 2016 on lead to an award between Levels 5-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Each apprenticeship programme is between 2 and 4 years.There are a number of models of on-the-job and off-the-job training, as well as different models of delivery and different target groups (including people already in employment). Industry-led groups (consortia), work with education and training providers and other partners, to oversee the development and roll-out of new apprenticeships.New apprenticeships in ICT, finance and hospitality include software development, accounting technician and commis chef.Apprenticeship feesGenerally, an apprentice does not pay fees. However, apprentices pay a pro-rata registration fee (student contribution) if their off-the-job training takes place within a college such as an Institute of Technology or Technological University. The registration fee is generally based on the amount of time the apprentice spends in the college. You can find information about the pro-rata registration fee on apprenticeship.ie.
Apprenticeship wages and allowancesRates of apprenticeship wages and allowances can vary depending on the type of apprenticeship and the industry you have chosen:Apprenticeships developed before 2016: While you are training on the job, your employer will pay you a recommended apprenticeship wage. The ETB pay a weekly allowance equivalent to that wage while you are training off the job. In some cases, the ETB will contribute to your travel and accommodation costs. You can get information about off-the-job training payments and allowances for craft apprentices.Apprenticeships developed in 2016 and after: Your employer will pay you for the duration of the apprenticeship. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.Annual leave: Your statutory holiday entitlements continue to accrue during the off-the-job phases, but must be taken during the on-the-job phases at times agreed with your employer.Apprentices who have children: Working Family Payment (WFP) is a weekly tax-free payment for employees with children. If you are an apprentice and you have at least one child you may qualify for WFP, if you meet the conditions for WFP.Other allowancesYou should check with your employer or local ETB if you are entitled to any allowances such as a tool allowance. You should also check if you qualify for employment tax credits and reliefs.How to qualify for an apprenticeship To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in 5 subjects in the Junior Cycle or equivalent exam. However, higher educational qualifications and other requirements may be required by employers.If you don&#39;t have these qualifications, you may still register as an apprentice with an employer if you:- Complete an approved preparatory training course followed by an assessment interview.- Are over 18 years of age and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience, in which case you will also be asked to do an assessment interview.💻 You can view some Apprentice Opportunities <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/jobs?search=trainee"></a>on the Generation Apprenticeship website <a href="https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs">HERE</a><a href="https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs"></a>You should also research yourself for opportunities in your local area by googling &quot;Apprentice Motor Mechanic&quot;, &quot;Apprentice Electrician&quot; etc and by checking the careers pages on large companies in your area that normally have trades people employed. You should also ask friends and family to look out for opportunities as your network can really help! Your career guidance teacher may also be able to help, or your local employment services office.HERE IS A LIST OF ALL APPRENTICESHIPS AVAILABLE IN IRELAND
Accounting TechnicianAdvanced Healthcare Assistant PractitionerAdvanced Quantity SurveyorAgricultural MechanicAircraft MechanicApplied HorticultureArboricultureAuctioneering and Property ServicesBar ManagerBricklayer / StonelayingButcherCarpenter / JoineryCGI Technical ArtistChef de PartieCivil Engineering 6 - Launching in 2023Civil Engineering 7 - Launching in 2023Commis ChefConstruction Plant FittingCyber Security PractitionerCybersecurity AssociateDigital Marketing and Media- Launching in 2023ElectricalElectrical InstrumentationElectronic Security SystemsEngineering Services ManagementEquipment Systems EngineerExecutive Chef - Launching in 2023Farm Management - Launching in 2023Farm Technician - Launching in 2023FarrierGeo-DrillerHairdressingHeavy Vehicle MechanicIndustrial Electrical EngineeringIndustrial InsulatorInstrumentation CraftspersonInsurance PractitionerInternational Financial Services Advanced Specialist - In DevelopmentInternational Financial Services AssociateInternational Financial Services SpecialistLaboratory AnalystLaboratory TechnicianLean Sigma ManagerLogistics Associate/LogisticianManufacturing Data Integration Engineer - In DevelopmentManufacturing EngineerManufacturing TechnologyMechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter - MAMFMetal FabricationMotor MechanicNetwork Engineer AssociateOEM Engineering TechnicianPainter / DecoratorPipe FitterPlasteringPlumbingPolymer Processing TechnologyPrecision Machinist &amp; Quality Control- Launching in 2023Principal EngineerRecruitment ExecutiveRefrigeration and Air ConditioningRetail SupervisionRoofing &amp; Cladding- In DevelopmentSalesScaffoldingSheet Metal WorkingSoftware Developer AssociateSoftware Solutions Architect- In DevelopmentSous ChefSports Turf Management - Launching in 2023Stonecutting &amp; StonemasonryStud Farm Assistant Manager - In DevelopmentSupply Chain AssociateSupply Chain ManagerSupply Chain SpecialistTelecommunications and Data Network TechnicianToolmakerTransport Operations and Commercial DriverVehicle Body RepairerWind Turbine Maintenance TechnicianWood Manufacturing &amp; FinishingMore Information on all these Apprenticeships can be found <a href="https://careersportal.ie/careers/index.php?default=1&amp;types_in=2&amp;txt=&amp;sec_inc=">HERE</a><a href="https://careersportal.ie/careers/index.php?default=1&amp;types_in=2&amp;txt=&amp;sec_inc="></a>Other Useful websites:<a href="https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs">Apprenticeship.ie</a><a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/social_welfare_payments_to_families_and_children/family_income_supplement.html">Woking Family Payment</a><a href="https://apprenticeship.ie/"></a><a href="https://apprenticeship.ie/">Generation Apprenticeship</a><a href="https://careersportal.ie/"></a><a href="https://careersportal.ie/"></a><a href="https://careersportal.ie/"></a>

Apprenticeships 2023

Dublin Zoo are holding a Retail Recruitment Open Day on Saturday 25th February 2023At the Open Day they will be hiring Retail Staff for Temporary Season Contracts (March to September), you must Register Now though!They also have a number of other roles listed that you can apply for now;- Facilities Operative- General Assistant Grade Horticulture Department- Events Assistant- Teacher- Assistant Keeper / Entry Level Animal Care Team- Education And Outreach OfficerDublin Zoo holds the prestigious position of being ‘Ireland’s Number One Fee Paying Family Attraction’ having welcomed in excess of one million visitors each year.Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.We are excited to announce the hosting of an exclusive recruitment open day where we are inviting highly enthusiastic and reliable ‘Retail Assistants’, to apply for one of our limited open day places.The successful candidates must demonstrate excellent customer service and interpersonal skills and will have 1 years’ experience working within a retail or customer service environment.Applicants must be 17 years or above on 10th March 2023 and must be available to work weekends and school midterms and summer holidays.This is an invitation-only event and places at the open day are limited and in high demand so please apply as soon as possible to be considered.Consideration will be given on a first-received basis. In anticipation of the high volume of applications we will receive it will only be possible to contact those candidates who will be offered an invitation to our open day.They have to following jobs listed also;General Assistant Grade Horticulture Department<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/general-assistant-grade-horticulture-department-zoo">https://www.jobalert.ie/job/general-assistant-grade-horticulture-department-zoo</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/general-assistant-grade-horticulture-department-zoo"></a>Events Assistant<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/events-assistant-zoo">https://www.jobalert.ie/job/events-assistant-zoo</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/events-assistant-zoo"></a>Teacher<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/teacher-zoo-2">https://www.jobalert.ie/job/teacher-zoo-2</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/teacher-zoo-2"></a>Assistant Keeper / Entry Level Animal Care Team<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/assistant-keeper-entry-level-animal-care-team-zoo">https://www.jobalert.ie/job/assistant-keeper-entry-level-animal-care-team-zoo</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/assistant-keeper-entry-level-animal-care-team-zoo"></a>Education And Outreach Officer<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/education-and-outreach-officer-zoo">https://www.jobalert.ie/job/education-and-outreach-officer-zoo</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/job/education-and-outreach-officer-zoo"></a>Facilities Operative<a href="https://www.dublinzoo.ie/careers/facilities-operative/">https://www.dublinzoo.ie/careers/facilities-operative/</a><a href="https://www.dublinzoo.ie/careers/facilities-operative/"></a><a href="https://www.dublinzoo.ie/careers/facilities-operative/"></a>Apply for the jobs above on the Links and to register for the Retail Jobs Open Day CLICK <a href="https://www.dublinzoo.ie/careers/retail-recruitment-open-day-saturday-25th-february-2023/">HERE</a>

DUBLIN ZOO RECRUITMENT DAY FOR SEASONAL JOBS

Approval for 11 biodiversity officers to bring national total to 2511 local authorities have been awarded funding to appoint biodiversity officers to drive local action for biodiversity conservation. This will bring to 25 the total number of biodiversity officers in local authorities across Ireland, following last year’s approval for the appointment of a further ten officers.The 11 new positions are expected to be filled by September 2023 while a full national rollout is expected to be completed within the next 2 years.A list of local authorities to appoint new biodiversity officers is provided below.The programme is being delivered by the Heritage Council and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.The announcement follows a commitment in the Programme for Government to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, following the Dáil’s declaration of a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019, and the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in 2022.In addition to developing a Biodiversity Plan for their area, the new biodiversity officers will advise the local authority on biodiversity related issues and the authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity. They will help local authorities to fully integrate biodiversity conservation into all of their policies, plans and actions, through training and provision of expert advice.Commenting on the development, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, said:“The appointment of another 11 biodiversity officers is further evidence of our commitment to addressing the biodiversity emergency and fulfilling our objectives as set out in the Programme for Government. These biodiversity experts are exactly the people we need at local authority level to engage local communities and to take practical action to conserve and restore wildlife species and habitats. I look forward to working with them shortly and to moving towards a full national rollout in the coming years.”Chairperson of The Heritage Council, Dr Martina Moloney, said:“The Heritage Council is pleased to be partnering with the County and City Management Association (CCMA), to deliver this programme with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Through the appointment of these biodiversity officers, we are prioritising a community-based approach to biodiversity and habitat restoration. The blend of local knowledge and evidence-based science has been very effective in the design and delivery of local heritage plans, and will ensure that local action for biodiversity will focus on the drivers of biodiversity loss, local priority species and habitats, and policies and actions at local level to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.”Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, said:“It is appropriate that we are making this announcement on World Wetlands Day, an international day of celebration for wetlands all over the world. Across Ireland, our peatlands play such a pivotal role in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the permanent voice that these new appointees will bring to local authorities is a gamechanger in our efforts to confront these challenges and the other biodiversity challenges ahead.”John Mulholland, Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee said:“The County and City Management Association is delighted to support this important Biodiversity Officer Programme. The expertise of Biodiversity Officers strengthens significantly our efforts at local authority level to protect and encourage appreciation of biodiversity in our areas. Already biodiversity officers are making a marked difference in their local authority areas. This additional resource commitment will further assist the local government sector to build on our ambition to integrate biodiversity considerations across all of our operations and strengthen our capability to address biodiversity loss and promote climate action in our work and in our communities.”11 local authorities have been awarded funding to appoint biodiversity officers to drive local action for biodiversity conservation. This will bring to 25 the total number of biodiversity officers in local authorities across Ireland, following last year’s approval for the appointment of a further ten officers.The 11 new positions are expected to be filled by September 2023 while a full national rollout is expected to be completed within the next 2 years.A list of local authorities to appoint new biodiversity officers is provided below.The programme is being delivered by the Heritage Council and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.The announcement follows a commitment in the Programme for Government to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis, following the Dáil’s declaration of a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019, and the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in 2022.In addition to developing a Biodiversity Plan for their area, the new biodiversity officers will advise the local authority on biodiversity related issues and the authority’s obligations in relation to protecting biodiversity. They will help local authorities to fully integrate biodiversity conservation into all of their policies, plans and actions, through training and provision of expert advice.Commenting on the development, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, said:<blockquote>“The appointment of another 11 biodiversity officers is further evidence of our commitment to addressing the biodiversity emergency and fulfilling our objectives as set out in the Programme for Government. These biodiversity experts are exactly the people we need at local authority level to engage local communities and to take practical action to conserve and restore wildlife species and habitats. I look forward to working with them shortly and to moving towards a full national rollout in the coming years.”</blockquote>Chairperson of The Heritage Council, Dr Martina Moloney, said:<blockquote>“The Heritage Council is pleased to be partnering with the County and City Management Association (CCMA), to deliver this programme with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Through the appointment of these biodiversity officers, we are prioritising a community-based approach to biodiversity and habitat restoration. The blend of local knowledge and evidence-based science has been very effective in the design and delivery of local heritage plans, and will ensure that local action for biodiversity will focus on the drivers of biodiversity loss, local priority species and habitats, and policies and actions at local level to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.”</blockquote>Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, said:<blockquote>“It is appropriate that we are making this announcement on World Wetlands Day, an international day of celebration for wetlands all over the world. Across Ireland, our peatlands play such a pivotal role in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, and the permanent voice that these new appointees will bring to local authorities is a gamechanger in our efforts to confront these challenges and the other biodiversity challenges ahead.”</blockquote>John Mulholland, Chair of the CCMA Rural Development, Community, Culture and Heritage (RCCH) Committee said:<blockquote>“The County and City Management Association is delighted to support this important Biodiversity Officer Programme. The expertise of Biodiversity Officers strengthens significantly our efforts at local authority level to protect and encourage appreciation of biodiversity in our areas. Already biodiversity officers are making a marked difference in their local authority areas. This additional resource commitment will further assist the local government sector to build on our ambition to integrate biodiversity considerations across all of our operations and strengthen our capability to address biodiversity loss and promote climate action in our work and in our communities.”</blockquote><h2>Notes</h2>The following local authorities have been approved (January 2023) to appoint a biodiversity officer:<ul><li>Carlow County Council</li><li>Cork County Council</li><li>Donegal County Council</li><li>Laois County Council</li><li>Leitrim County Council</li><li>Limerick City and County Council</li><li>Longford County Council</li><li>Louth County Council</li><li>Meath County Council</li><li>Monaghan County Council</li><li>Tipperary County Council</li></ul>The following local authorities received approval in September 2022 and are at an advanced stage in recruiting:<ul><li>Clare County Council</li><li>Cork City Council</li><li>Galway County Council</li><li>Kerry County Council</li><li>Kildare County Council</li><li>Kilkenny County Council</li><li>Offaly County Council</li><li>Sligo County Council</li><li>Westmeath County Council</li><li>Wicklow County Council</li></ul>The following local authorities have already appointed a biodiversity officer:<ul><li>Galway City Council</li><li>Fingal County Council</li><li>Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council</li><li>Dublin City Council</li></ul>Check out your local County Council careers section on their website for job listings.Source: <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1afcb-approval-for-11-biodiversity-officers-to-bring-national-total-to-25/">HERE</a><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/1afcb-approval-for-11-biodiversity-officers-to-bring-national-total-to-25/"></a><a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/">Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage</a>

Another 11 Biodiversity officers to be Appointed across Ireland

Belfast International Airport Ltd is the principal gateway to Northern Ireland currently handling almost 6 million passengers every year with further significant development envisaged into the future.Within the airport community there are over 30 companies on site employing approximately 4,000 people. The airport itself currently employs just over 160 employees who are committed to achieving the objectives of the company.We are holding a recruitment fair on Saturday 28th January from 11am-3pm at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Gasworks, Belfast, BT7 2JB - Come along and meet our teams.As part of our commitment to make Belfast International Airport Ltd a great place to work, we offer employees a wide choice of rewards and benefits.In addition to offering competitive salaries and terms and conditions, employees benefit from participation in--Pension Scheme to which the company makes a contribution-Life Assurance-Enhanced annual leave and public holidays-Free staff car parking-Service Awards-Retirements Gifts-Child care vouchers scheme-Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption Leave-Flexible Working-Special/Dependents Leave-Counselling service-Occupational Health-Hospital Saturday Fund (voluntary)-Employee Assistance programmeWe have also secured discounts on a variety of retail and catering outlets within the airport, enhancing employees&#39; core benefits.We recognise that these benefits not only support employees within their working environment, but also assists with circumstances outside of their core employment. The company have several key areas within its structure and all job vacancies are advertised in a number of media such as on this website, job centres and in newspapers. Speculative CVs will not be held on file and where a vacancy arises an online application form can be completed before the job’s closing date. The Company is committed to fair and equal treatment of all employees and prospective employees. These commitments are reflected throughout our employment practices, including recruitment, selection and development of our employees.

Search ALL jobs here: <a href="https://belfastairport.getgotjobs.co.uk/home">https://belfastairport.getgotjobs.co.uk/home</a>

Careers at Belfast International Airport

eCollege is a government-funded online training facility. It provides a range of online learning courses, available any time. If you want to learn at your own pace, eCollege is perfect for you.

eCollege delivers online training courses in:- (ICDL) International Computer Driving Licence-Certified Digital Marketing Professional-Visual &amp; Graphic Design- Print &amp; Digial Media- CompTIA Network+- Microsoft Access - Microsoft PowerPoint- Microsoft Excel - Microsoft Excel Expert- Microsoft Word- Information Technology Javascript- Oracle Certified Associate Database- Sofware Testing (Foundation)- IT Specialist in Networking- Digital Video Using Premiere Pro- Energy &amp; You: Reduce Your Use - Print and Digital Media Publication using Adobe InDesign- Data Protection- Cyber Security + many more! Check out all available course here<a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/course/">https://www.ecollege.ie/course/</a>eCollege courses are:-free of charge-part-time-certified-always on-demand, so you can get started straightawayThe courses could help you, whether you:-are already doing a course and want to add to your learning-are unemployed, or had your hours reduced-want to improve your skills or learn new onesThe courses are designed give you specific skills training, with certification, to help you get a job or improve your skills. How to Qualify:eCollege courses are currently free to anyone over 18 who wants to do a course.Am I eligable?Currently, you must be resident in the Republic of Ireland with a PPS number and be over 18 to apply for one of our eCollege courses. Online LearningeCollege is the national online learning service for further education and training. We provide a range of high quality interactive online learning courses, available any time, for those who want to learn at their own pace.How much do courses cost?All courses are free for you including course costs, exams, materials, etc. Why do learners choose eCollege?
Our learners have busy lives and need to fit their learning around their work or life commitments. We offer courses that help you learn new skills to help you progress in your career, change career, or re-enter your career after a break.We will support you to complete your learning on a flexible basis, with expert tutors to answer your questions, and help you keep on track. Computer Skills Required:-The ability to adjust computer settings, such as allowing pop-ups-The ability to navigate the Internet-The ability to install any software that is necessary for the course you are enrolled onFor more information check out the eCollege website here: <a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/">https://www.ecollege.ie/</a><a href="https://www.ecollege.ie/course/"></a>

Fancy something more hands on? FET also offer FREE courses to those over 16:What is FET?Further Education and Training or FET, offers a wide variety of life-long education options to anyone over 16. FET includes apprenticeships, traineeships, Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, community and adult education as well as core literacy and numeracy services. FET courses and programmes are provided through the Education and Training Board network throughout the country as well as through other local providers including online through SOLAS’ eCollege. FET courses are provided at levels one to six on the <a href="https://nfq.qqi.ie/"> National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)</a>.Who is FET for?FET is for anyone who is over 16 who wants to learn new skills or enhance existing skills to get the right job, progress to third-level or to support the achievement of personal goals.Depending on the course you choose, there may be certain eligibility criteria - contact your course provider or ETB for more information. More informattion on FET courses can be found here: <a href="https://www.fetchcourses.ie/">https://www.fetchcourses.ie/</a>

eCollge & Fetch - Free Courses! 

A new whiskey distillery has been given the green light for Balbriggan, North Dublin that will create 150 jobs in the area.The distillery and visitor centre in Balbriggan is expected to attract up to 50,000 tourists a year when the distillery is up and running.The development at Stephenstown is a major boost for tourism in the area, with the new distillery set to offer tours and tastings.Planning for the development was lodged on behalf of Harvest Lodge Distilleries LTD and was approved this week by Fingal County Council.The whiskey will be manufactured on site in the new distillery, while plans also include a logistics park. The development will consist of seven buildings for “light industrial and warehouse uses”.A €100m investment is expected to create around 150 jobs on completion. “It’s a great boost for the local economy,” said Independent councillor Tony Murphy.“There is a great connection in the local area that’s not just an opportunity to export whiskey, but also to develop a tourism proposition out of it with tours of the distillery,” he said.The visitor centre is expected to draw on the local history of beekeeping to create its own honey whiskey.“We have a history of mead which is like a subset of honey and whiskey,” said Cllr Murphy.There is a local myth that Bremore was the first place in Ireland where beekeeping was practiced.It was said to have been introduced there by St Molaga, who settled for a short time near Balbriggan.“That’s not far away from this so there is a great backstory that could be developed that would be very interesting in the area,” added Cllr Murphy.In a bid to increase tourism in the area, restoration is also underway of nearby Bremore Castle, a 14th Century large house which is being restored from rubble.The development of the new distillery and business park will now go out for tender and the distillery is expected to be fully operational within 18 months.

Green light given for new Balbriggan whiskey distillery creating 150 jobs

Do you want to increase your chances of finding a job in Ireland?The EPIC Programme can help you access training, find jobs and integrate into Irish society through online interactive training and individual support from Career Counsellors.This is how they can help. They offer FREE, online inclusive and interactive training covering;<ul><li>Skills for the Irish Job Market</li><li>Professional Emails and Workplace Communication</li><li>CV Writing &amp; Interview Preparation</li><li>Supports from Businesses</li><li>Integration Workshops</li><li>Individual Support from Career Counsellors</li></ul>EPIC is for Adults living in Ireland with good spoken and written English and who are;<ul><li>Asylum seekers with Work Permits</li><li>Refugees</li><li>People with Subsidiary Protection or Leave to Remain</li><li>Ukrainian Refugees</li><li>People from a Refuge background with Irish Citizenship</li></ul>How does the EPIC Programme work?EPIC offers a FREE employment programme that can help you integrate in Irish society by overcoming some of the most common barriers when looking for work or education such as: lack of Irish work experience, interview preparation, understanding of the Irish standards when preparing CV and Cover Letter. EPIC also offers one to one career guidance, work experience opportunities and support with other issues.Hear from a former EPIC participant on his experience with the employment programme <a href="https://youtu.be/sNkWFVojFcg">HERE</a>3,500 people from 101 nationalities. 68% of their clients have found jobs or entered training or are volunteering. The programme is supported by the <a href="https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-children-equality-disability-integration-and-youth/">Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth</a> and <a href="https://www.communityfoundation.ie/">The Community Foundation for Ireland</a>. EPIC increases the job seeking skills of asylum seekers and refugees using a needs assessment and a client centred approach. It provides pre-employment training, One-to-One support and opportunities for work experience.The Epic training covers:<ul><li>Support with business vocabulary, CV and cover letter writing techniques; identifying and describing skills; telephone skills for job interviews and in the workplace; advice on how to look for a job.</li><li>Interview preparation includes tips and advice from employers, how to handle difficult interview questions, and the opportunity to do practice interviews</li><li>IT Skills Training –focusing on the use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.</li><li>Information sessions on a variety of themes to facilitate networking, understanding of the Irish system and to promote social integration. Topics covered include access to health, employment rights and entitlements, social welfare, and access to education.</li></ul>Participants must first meet three essential criteria in order to be eligible<ul><li>Status – Participants must be adults who are asylum seekers with work permits, refugees with Stamp 4, people with Subsidiary Protection and Stamp 4, people with Leave to Remain and Stamp 4, people from a refugee background and Irish passport or people with Temporary Protection Certificates</li><li>Location – participants must be living in the Republic of Ireland</li><li>Level of English– Participants should have intermediate to high level of both written and spoken English. The English language level will be assessed prior to joining the programme.</li></ul>There are multiple courses running throughout 2023.One-To-One Individual Support with Career CounsellorsAs part of the service Career Counsellors with expertise and wide experience in career advice and job placement, provide one-to-one support sessions on the various steps required in seeking new employment or education.Supports include CV and interview preparation, psychometric testing, coaching for interviews as well as working with the participant to source and secure further education or employment.Other benefits:<ul><li>Work experience opportunities</li><li>Social Support – advice on Social Welfare, housing, family and other issues</li><li>Mentoring service</li><li>Advice for entrepreneurs</li><li>Free access to computers for online job searching</li><li>Certificate of Participation upon completion of the Training</li></ul>Read and register for the EPIC Programme: Employment and Training for Refugees and Asylum Seekers <a href="https://www.bitc.ie/business-action-programmes/business-action-on-employment/are-you-a-jobseeker/">HERE</a><a href="https://www.bitc.ie/business-action-programmes/business-action-on-employment/are-you-a-jobseeker/"></a><a href="https://www.bitc.ie/business-action-programmes/business-action-on-employment/are-you-a-jobseeker/"></a>

Are you an Asylum Seeker, Refugee or Ukrainian looking for work in Ireland?

A new <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/housing_taxes_and_reliefs/rent_tax_credit.en.html">Rent Tax Credit</a> was introduced in December 2022 for people who pay for private rented accommodation. The tax credit is 20% of the rent you paid in a year, up to a maximum of €500 per person, or a €1,000, if you are a couple jointly assessed for tax.The credit is available for rent you have paid for:<ul><li>Your home</li><li>A second home you use to take part in an approved course or your work</li><li>A property your child uses so they can take part in an approved course. This only applies if your child is under 23 at the start of their first year.</li></ul>To claim the credit your tenancy must be registered with the <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/private_residential_tenancies_board.en.html">Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)</a>, unless you have a<a href="https://www.rtb.ie/register-a-tenancy/is-your-property-exempt-from-registration-1"> licence arrangement</a>. For example, if you are renting a room in a home that you share with the owner, you have a licence agreement and this does not have to be registered with the RTB.The credit is not available if you are getting housing support, such as the <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/housing_assistance_payment.en.html">Housing Assistance Payment</a> or <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.en.html">Rent Supplement</a>.The credit will be available for 2022 until 2025. You can claim the tax credit for rent paid in 2022 by making a tax return for 2022. You can claim the tax credit during the year for other years.There is more information about this credit in our <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/tax/housing_taxes_and_reliefs/rent_tax_credit.en.html">Rent Tax Credit</a> page.<h2>Landlords living abroad</h2>If your landlord lives outside Ireland and you pay your rent through a collection agent, you do not have to deduct tax from the rent. A collection agent is someone who will make annual tax returns for the non-resident landlord and account for any tax due to Revenue.A collection agent can be someone the landlord knows, like a friend or family member, but are often a professional such as a letting agent or accountant. The landlord’s collection agent must account for the tax in an annual tax return.However, if you pay the rent directly to the landlord (including into their bank account, whether in Ireland or abroad), you must deduct tax at the standard rate (20%) from the gross amount that you pay. This deduction is not your tax relief - it is tax payable to Revenue from your landlord&#39;s income.For example, your landlord lives in Germany and you pay them gross rent per month of €1,000. First, work out the amount of tax to be deducted (€1,000 x 20% = €200). Now deduct the tax due from the gross rent you pay (€1,000 - €200 = €800). The net rent to be paid to your landlord is €800 per month. The amount due to Revenue is the €200 per month that you deducted from the gross rent of €1,000.Accounting to Revenue for tax deducted from rentYou must account to Revenue for the tax that you deduct from the gross rent. If you fail to deduct tax from rent that you pay directly to a landlord living outside Ireland, this will mean that you (and not the landlord) will be liable for any tax that should have been deducted.If you pay tax under PAYE, you can account for it by reducing your tax credits and Standard Rate Cut-Off Point. You can notify your local Revenue Office and ask them to arrange this. Alternatively, you can make a tax return and pay the retained amount to Revenue. You can do this by completing the eForm12 on Revenue’s MyAccount Service, or by filling in a paper <a href="http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/forms/form12.pdf">Form 12 (pdf)</a> and sending it back to Revenue.If you pay tax under self-assessment, you should include the details of your rent on your annual return. You can do this by filing your online Form 11 using the Revenue Online Service (ROS), or by filling in the paper <a href="http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/forms/form11.pdf">Form 11 (pdf)</a> and returning it to Revenue. A notice of assessment will then issue to you, showing the reduced credit.At the end of the year you must give your landlord a completed <a href="http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/forms/formr185.pdf">Certificate of Income Tax Deducted - Form R185 (pdf).</a><h2>Where to apply</h2><a href="http://www.revenue.ie/en/contact/index.html">Revenue&#39;s contact information is available here</a>.SOURCE: <a href="https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/tax_relief_for_tenants.html#:~:text=A%20new%20Rent%20Tax%20Credit,couple%20jointly%20assessed%20for%20tax.">HERE</a>

Tax credit of 20% of rent you paid in a year, up to €500 per person

<h2>THE OBVIOUS</h2>Update your CV and LinkedIn profile, so that one mirror and reflects the other.  Ensure all the details are correct and get a friend or relative to read over both for accuracy.  Don’t sell yourself short, make sure your CV truly reflects the person you are. Having a professional CV will give you the very best chance. We have devised templates that will help you to do that, but that will also help to get your application through automated screening software applications that some companies use.  We also have phrases to describe your Skills &amp; Competencies that you can copy and paste into your CV.It’s also important that you customise and edit your CV for each job application.  For example, if you are applying for a job in an accounts department, ensure that you include a sentence in the introduction paragraph to outline the relevant experience that you have.  Use the same wording that the recruiter has used in the Job Specification/Ad.  Don’t put in anything that isn&#39;t true though, just choose your relevant experience and ensure that they can easily see what you have to offer.All our CV resources can be found <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/basic-cv-template">HERE</a> <h2>COVER LETTERS</h2>When applying for jobs always include a Cover Letter unless, of course, you are applying through an online application form.  On a Cover Let,ter you can summarise in a few lines why you are suitable for the job, this will hopefully entice the Recruiter to read your CV and offer you an Interview. You will find more information about Cover Letters <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/cover-letters">HERE</a><h2>SOCIAL MEDIA</h2>Future employers may research potential candidates online, so be sure to keep your personal social media profiles private except your LinkedIn page.  While you may have lovely photos and videos on Facebook, Insta &amp; Tik Tok, we think it’s better that future employers can’t see what you get up to on a Saturday night with your mates.<h2>MORE ABOUT LINKEDIN</h2>A very professional LinkedIn profile is priceless when it comes to job hunting.  We have prepared a whole section on how to use LinkedIn to your best advantage when looking for a new job. Check out more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/using-linkedin-to-find-a-job">HERE</a><h2>TREAT YOUR JOB SEARCH LIKE A JOB </h2>Take your job search seriously, if you treat it like a job by setting time out each day, you will increase your chances of finding success. In this section we also show you how to set up Job Alerts on JobAlert.ie, so you never miss an opportunity. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/an-organised-approach-to-jobseeking">HERE</a><h2>USE AS MANY RESOURCES AS POSSIBLE</h2>Check out Job Boards, Agencies, and company websites, there are so many places where you can search for jobs.  Apply as quickly as possible so that your CV is reviewed by the Recruiter as soon as possible.  <h2>KEEPING A LOG</h2>Be sure to keep a log/spreadsheet of all the jobs you have applied for and when.  Also, keep a copy of the Job Specification and Job Ad so that you can use it later.  Sometimes recruiters take Ads down and you will find it difficult to retrieve this information again.<h2>NETWORK / NETWORKING</h2>Use your network, and tell people you are searching. Reaching out to people you know is a very powerful tool when looking for a job. Most people will be more than willing to help and the more people you reach out to, the better your chances are. Check out our section on the importance of Networking and how to do it successfully <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/importance-of-using-your-network">HERE</a>.<h2>SIGN UP FOR ALERTS</h2>Sign up with all job boards and company career pages for Job Alerts. At <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/www.jobalert.ie">JobAlert.ie</a> you can sign up for Job Alerts by putting keywords and locations in the search bar and then setting multiple Job Alerts based on your search criteria. Read more about Job Alerts in this section <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/an-organised-approach-to-jobseeking">HERE</a><h2>NO EXPERIENCE / NO PROBLEM </h2>Don’t worry if you are just starting, we have lots of tips that will help you to land a job <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/no-experience-no-problem">HERE</a>.<h2>TRANSFERABLE SKILLS </h2>It’s NOT always possible for recruiters to find candidates that have experience or education in a particular field within the same type of working environment, so many recruiters will consider candidates that have transferable skills. These are the skills and experience that people have, that with additional training will allow them to successfully work in another role or industry. So basically it will also help recruiters to find suitable staff. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/transferable-skills">HERE</a><h2>INTERVIEWS</h2>Preparation is key when it comes to being successful at Interviews.  Make sure you have thoroughly read the Job Specification / Job Ad and if you need clarification on anything get in touch with the recruiter before the interview.  Research the company and the person/s that have invited you to interview – LinkedIn will be a good resource when researching people.  See if you know anyone that works at the company, you may be able to get some advice about the process that the company uses or an idea of what they normally look for. Ensure you have lots of examples to explain the relevant skills that you have for the role on offer.  To know what will come up, go through the Job Specification / Job Ad requirements and turn each requirement into a ‘Can you tell us about a time when you ….” question?So, you will have to describe the situation where you used this skill and explain the action you took and the result.   Real-life examples demonstrate your ability and this is what the interviewers will be looking for.  It’s important to have a good few examples prepared and at the forefront of your mind, so you can quickly answer the questions with ease.If you do not understand a question or you hit a blank, ask them to repeat the question or explain that you are nervous.  Interviewers respect when candidates are honest and an experienced interviewer will try to put you at ease. Remember nerves are normal!Rehearse for Interviews, it always helps to do a few mock interviews with friends and family members if they can spare the time.  Just give them a few sample questions to run through with you. Check out our extensive Interview Sections below;<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/preparing-for-interview">Preparing for Interviews, sample questions and answers included </a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/second-interviews">Second Interviews</a><h2>AFTER THE INTERVIEW </h2>When you come out of the interview, put it behind – you tried your best and now you should just continue to focus on the next application or interview.  There is no point in wasting time over-analyzing an interview, except maybe to keep a few notes on what you think you need to improve on, like if you got stuck on something.  You can use this experience to do better next time.  Like with any other skill, the more you do something the easier it becomes.<h2>UNSUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW </h2>Sometimes it can be difficult to recover from unsuccessful interviews, particularly when you have invested so much time and effort going through the process. No matter how talented you are, remember it’s all a bit of a lottery. In this section, we advise on how to keep strong and keep going. But remember you can always ask for feedback from the Interviewer so that you can learn from the experience.  Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/how-to-bounce-back-after-an-unsuccessful-interview">HERE</a><h2>BEHAVIOURS THAT LEAD TO SUCCESS</h2>In this section, we list 10behaviorss that require little talent, yet have a huge impact on your job hunt. Check out the list <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/10-behaviours-that-lead-to-success">HERE</a><h2>HOW TO DEAL WITH SELF DOUBT</h2>In a large survey conducted in Ireland, 51% of Irish workers admitted having a lack of confidence when it came to applying for a new job. 42% ‘thought they didn’t have strong enough experience, while 18% ‘stated that they are scared of rejection and failure’. In this section, we look at the barriers this presents and how to deal with them- read the full article <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/self-doubt-a-major-obstacle-when-applying-for-new-jobs">HERE</a><h2>NEGOTIATING A SALARY</h2>Don’t sell yourself short, check out our section on negotiating your salary. Figuring out how to get the best possible salary without jeopardizing the opportunity or coming across as cheeky has got to be one of the most difficult things to do. Read our tips below;<a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/salary-negotiation-new-job">Negotiating Salary for a New Job</a><a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/negotiating-a-salary-review">Negotiating your Salary while in a Job</a><h2>CHOOSING A CAREER </h2>In this section, we look at making career choices. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/choosing-a-career">HERE</a><h2>MAKING A CAREER CHANGE</h2>It’s never too late to make a career change. You&#39;ll know yourself when the time is right. Maybe you’re dreading Mondays and at times this dread could be consistent throughout the week. Life’s too short – make changes. In this section we look at 7 steps you can take to successfully change your career path. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/7-steps-to-a-successful-career-change">HERE</a><h2>FLEXIBLE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS </h2>Now that most people have had a taste of flexible working and working from home, it’s only obvious that some people would like to have some flexibility going forward. In this section, we look at how you can successfully negotiate a solution. Read more <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/work-life-balance-how-to-negotiate-flexible-working-arrangements">HERE</a><h2>USING OTHER SERVICES </h2>You should never have to pay for professional advice and support when looking for a Job.  Contact your local Government Job Services, they have a lot of support, and training-killing killing opportunities on offer, particularly now following the impact of Covid on certain industries. Read more about this <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/additional-free-resources-for-jobseekers">HERE</a>Best of Luck with your job search, we hope that we have been of some help to you. To search available jobs <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/article/www.jobalert.ie">CLICK HERE.</a>

A Totally FREE Guide to Help you Find a Job

ON 27 SEPTEMBER, the measures in Budget 2023 were announced by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath.The Budget came in at €11 billion and some of the key announcements included an increase to the income tax package, a €600 electricity credit, and once-off double payment week for social welfare recipients. While some of the measures kicked in almost immediately, others will take effect from today.Here’s what you need to know:Social WelfareThere’s also an increase of €12 per week in social welfare payments.This increase will bring the full State pension to €265.30 per week and the maximum personal rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Jobseeker’s Benefit with no dependents to €220 per week.The weekly rate for a qualified child has increased by €2 from €40 to €42 for children under 12 years of age, and by €2 from €48 to €50 for children aged 12 years and over.From today, the national minimum wage for people aged over 20 will increase by 80 cent to €11.30.People getting Disability Allowance and Blind Pension will be able to earn up to €165 from work without affecting their payment, an increase of €25 on the previous threshold of €140.The Community Employment (CE), Tús and Rural Social Scheme top up payment will also increase by €5 from €22.50 to €27.50.The Domiciliary Care Allowance will increase by €20.50 to €330 per month and will be available in respect of children with severe illness or disability who remain in hospital for up to six months after birth.The income threshold for Fuel Allowance has increased from €120 to €200, while for those over 70 the weekly Fuel Allowance means test limit has increased to €500 for a single person or €1,000 for a couple.The Working Family Payment income limits has increased by €40 across all family sizes.The income received from agri-environmental schemes disregarded in the means test for Farm Assist will increase from €2,540 to €5,000.The weekly income threshold for the higher rate of employer’s PRSI has increased from €410 to €441. This is to ensure that there is no incentive to reduce the working hours for a full-time employee on the increased minimum wage.From today, there will also be a new Susi rate, which will increase by between 10% and 14%.The National Childcare Scheme subsidy has increased from €0.50 per hour to €1.40 per hour, which means up to an additional €40.50 reduction in weekly childcare fees for parents.TaxWhile income tax rates will stay the same (at 20% and 40%), there will be increases to tax credits and changes to the income tax bands.The standard rate tax band (the amount you can earn before you start to pay the higher rate of tax) will be increased by €3,200 to €40,000 for a single person and to €49,000 for married couples with one earner.The Personal Tax Credit, Employee Tax Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit will all increase by €75 to €1,775.The second band of the Universal Social Charge has also been adjusted.The ceiling of the second USC rate band has now increased from €21,295 to €22,920 to support those on the new minimum wage of €11.30 per hour.VATFrom today, the VAT rate on newspapers will be reduced from 9% to 0.VAT will also be reduced to zero on defibrillators, period products, hormone replacement therapy, and nicotine replacement products.Meanwhile, a reduced VAT rate of 9% for the hospitality and tourism sector will continue until 28 February.A temporary reduction in the rate of VAT from 13.5% to 9% on the supply of gas and electricity will also remain in place until 28 February.Sick payEmployees also have right to <a href="https://www.jobalert.ie/admin/blog/63a4494425689a001e9f34d5">three days’ sick pay a year</a> from today.This is statutory sick pay and is the legal minimum.Sick pay is paid by your employer at 70% of your normal pay, up to a maximum of €110 a day.You must be an employee and be working at least 13 weeks with your employer before you can get statutory sick pay.Your employer can have a more generous sick pay scheme, but they can’t give you less than the statutory amount.What comes into place later this year?A second electricity credit worth €200 will be made this month, with payments beginning from today.Depending on a household’s individual billing cycle, people will see the credit during January or February.A third €200 instalment is coming in March and will apply in the March/April billing cycle. Elsewhere, the Defective Concrete Products Levy is due to be introduced in April to help pay for the Defective Concrete Blocks Redress Scheme.It was originally proposed as a 10% levy on concrete blocks, pouring concrete and other concrete products, but has since bene reduced to 5%.Public hospital in-patient fees will be removed for all patients from 1 April.The income limit for the GP visit card will also be increased in April to include people on a median household income of €46,000 or less.A carbon tax increase was applied to petrol and diesel from 12 October, but was offset by a reduction to zero of the National Oil Reserves Agency levy.However, from 1 May, the carbon tax increase will apply to all other fuels, including household fuels.From 1 September, the free contraception scheme will be extended to include woman aged 16 to 30.There will also be changes in the education sector from September.Free schoolbooks will be primary school students from September 2023, and the income threshold for the 50% student contribution grant will increase from €55,240 to €62,000 per year.The student contribution will also be reduced by €500 for families earning between €62,000 and €100,000, while the Postgraduate fee grant will increase by €500.Meanwhile, reduced fares of 20% on public transport will continue until the end of this year, as will the 50% price reduction on the Young Adult Leap Card.The Young Adult Leap Card will be extended to 16, 17 and 18 year olds in third-level education.And beyond this year, the Help to Buy Scheme will run until the end of 2024.Elsewhere, the stamp Duty Residential Development Refund Scheme will run until the end of 2025, as will the Farm Consolidation Stamp Duty Relief. Thanks to the Journal.ie ; Original article: <a href="https://bit.ly/3jBYuqd">https://bit.ly/3jBYuqd</a>

Budget 2023

We hear this a lot, ‘New Year, New You’, What&#39;s your New Year Resolutions? etc, but before you start making long term committtments, maybe it&#39;s a good time to reevaluate how you really feel and work towards a healthy mindset first.<h2>Recognise your current mindset</h2>In order to create a positive mindset, you&#39;ll first need to do a raincheck on where you currently are and tackle any negative voices in your head. For example when you’re taking on a challenge, does a little voice inside your head say, ‘are you sure you can do this? or &quot;you&#39;re wasting your time here mate, why even bother&quot;? If you listen to these voices you&#39;ll be doomed before you even start. A negative mindset plants doubts in your mind about your abilities, remember the first step to changing that voice of doubt is recognising it.<h2>Start talking back</h2>The second step is to nurture a more positive mindset by knowing how to answer back these doubts. You’ll need to directly address the mindset you already have and respond to it. It’s not enough to simply ignore it because while you think you’re not paying it any attention, your subconscious is lapping it up.When your inner voice tries to plant doubt, have an answer for it. Tell yourself why you CAN do this. Remind yourself why you shouldn’t doubt your own abilities.<h2>Look at what you’ve learned</h2>A negative mindset is usually a dab hand at throwing previous failures to the forefront of your mind to remind you of your weakness and to plant doubt in your mind, but it’s important for you to realise that it’s quite the opposite.As part of answering those negative thoughts about failure, you should recognise your mistakes and failures, and acknowledge what you’ve learned from them and how making the mistakes have benefited you in the long run. So, focus on taking the positives from them.Equally, it’s important to reflect on your past achievements, sometimes it&#39;s easy to forget about them. Write down everything you were proud of doing last year or in previous years to feed your positive mindset now.<h2>Challenge yourself with actions</h2>As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect, so now it might be a good time to think about challenges that you might enjoy now. Selecting challenges wisely will help to exercise you new positive mindset.Write down a list containing small, manageable goals and include some long-term goals too if you like. <h2>Be flexible with your goals</h2>Not everything will go to plan all the time, so just be careful when it comes to having end dates. It&#39;s no harm if you have to spend the entire year or longer chipping away at some goals and remember what we said about making mistakes? There’s a lesson in everything you do, so don’t let struggles or knock backs along the way be an excuse to give up on your new goals. If you realise halfway through that a particular goal is a little unrealistic, move the goalposts - remember who&#39;s in charge here, they’re your goals, after all, nothing is set in stone.<h2>Re-evaluate yourself along the way</h2>Check in on yourself regularly, set reminders in your calander. There&#39;s no hard doing a little check, but again remember you should not beat yourself up, just realign the goals and celebrate any milestones you have achieved.When it comes to work or career related goals, many people can be guilty of waiting for an annual performance review to evaluate how they are getting on. As part of your new positive mindset, it’s important to evaluate your own performance often - don&#39;t wait for the boss to guide or praise you, take control yourself. You should not simply be evaluating your performance based on what your employer’s goals are, set your own pace and personal goals for your career success. And remember to check in with your mindset regularly too, how&#39;s those voices going, are you answering back? Your work-life balance and your mental health are very important - if you are struggling don&#39;t be afraid to see professional help. <h2>Be kind to yourself</h2>Being kind to yourself is very important, look after yourself in 2023. Make sure to give yourself the space and time you need to stay healthy. You might have people who depend on you and work committments that you need to focus on, but you will be no good to anyone if you are not feeling good yourself.So, when you&#39;re ready to sit down and make that resolution list go easy on yourself, make sure there&#39;s items on the list that will make you feel good. Best of Luck!

Start the Year with a Positive Mindset

As we head back to work after the Christmas Festivities, it can feel like we ate and drank far too much as we squeeze back into the suits and uniforms. But don&#39;t stress, you&#39;re not alone. The majority of us excessed on sugar, alcohol, food and got a little less sleep than usual. These little tips will get you back on track really soon.1. DRINKING LEMON WATERA bit of fresh lemon juice in water first thing in the morning will kick start your digestive system, cleanse the liver and help to alkalise your body.2. DRINKING GREEN JUICEAfter your Lemon water, sip on a glass of green juice. It will provide your body and liver with an abundance of vitamins and minerals necessary for detoxification. You can easily make green juice yourself in a blender or buy prepared cartons at garages, cafes and health stores across the country.Green Juice Recipe in a Blender•	1 1/2 cups water.•	2 cups kale.•	2 green apples, cored.•	1/2 cup parsley leaves.•	1 medium cucumber, quartered.•	2 celery stalks, roughly chopped.•	1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, peeled.3. MOVE AS MUCH AS YOU CANA gentle walk, run or work out will do the trick. Even taking down the Christmas Decorations will help. Increasing your heart beat and circulation will help to flush out unwanted toxins. Exercising might be the last thing you feel like doing, but you will feel so much better after - I promise!4. CLEANSE THE TONGUESounds a little unusual but scraping the tongue can remove bad bacteria and toxins. This can help with your digestive health and immunity system. If you can&#39;t get your hands on a specific Tongue Cleaner (yes there is such a thing, sold sometimes in Health Stores) just use a toothbrush and give your tongue a good rigorous scrub a couple of times a day.5. YOGA OR MEDITATIONYoga and meditation is great for cleansing your mind as well as your body! You can do this easily at home, just google a good mediation soundtrack or check youtube. Find a quiet place, where you will not be disturbed and relax - take deep breaths in and out, focusing on the sound of your breathing in and out.6. HOT TOWEL SCRUBTo improve your lymphatic system and increase circulation there&#39;s nothing like a good hot towel scrub or a body brush. Do it before or after you bath or shower. Focus on one part of your body at a time scrubbing in circular motions.7. GO GLUTEN, DIARY, SUGAR, ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE FREE FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARYThis might sound a bit extreme, but these foods are inflammatory and load up the liver, resulting in a toxic build up and if you give them up for a month you will feel brand new in just a few weeks. If you can&#39;t do the month try for even a week.Best of luck, hope you don&#39;t have the January blues for too long - If it&#39;s a new job you need to make you happy search here; <a href="www.jobalert.ie">www.jobalert.ie</a>

Feeling Like a Christmas Pudding Rolling back to Work?

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has announced the roll-out of up to 10 new apprenticeship programmes starting in 2023.These 10 programmes are on top of a further 11 which are currently in development, and will add significantly to the 66 programmes already available nationwide.Minister Harris said:“Creating parity of esteem for apprenticeships has been a central part of my epartment’s agenda, and I’m delighted to say real progress is being made across the sector.“The new apprenticeship programmes being announced today are across tech, engineering, farming, horticulture and hospitality, and will go a long way towards delivering the skills and talent these sectors are crying out for.“I genuinely believe the reform we have been driving over the past two years in the area of apprenticeship has already helped the option become front and central in discussions round the dinner table when people are talking about options for learning, upskilling or reskilling.”Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins said:“Everyone is aware that the country is facing a major challenge in terms of skills shortages.“We urgently need people in a variety of different industries to help employers, and society as a whole.“That’s why we have put such an emphasis on apprenticeships, and I’m delighted to see the number of registrations remaining high, as well as so many new programmes coming down the line.”The Action Plan for Apprenticeship, 2021 to 2025 contained ambitious targets to reform the system, including a target to reach 10,000 new registrations every year by 2025 and new financial supports for employers.Apprenticeship registrations in 2021 were the highest they have been since 2007, with 8,607 apprentices employed on 62 programmes.Separately, it is anticipated that the confirmed end of year population for 2022 will be more than 26,000 apprentices, an increase of some 45% over the apprenticeship population in 2019 (17,829).New apprenticeships launching in 2023Apprenticeship titleNFQ level2023 Launch dateFarm Manager - Level 7- July to September 2023Advanced Quantity Surveyor - Level 9 - July to SeptemberFarm Technician - Level 6 - July to SeptemberExecutive Chef - Level 9 - October to DecemberHorticulture - Level 6 - July to SeptemberPrecision Machinist and Quality Control - Level 6 - July to SeptemberSports Turf Management - Level 6 - April to JuneCivil Engineering - Level 6 - July to SeptemberCivil Engineering - Level 7 = July to SeptemberDigital Marketing and Media - Level 6 - October to DecemberSource: Gov.ie

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