Quite often the first step is the hardest when it comes to making career and employment decisions. Understanding where you can go for support or who you can contact in relation to advice is very important. Thankfully there are many supports out there to help advise and prepare you to make the leap.

Below is a list of recognised bodies that aim to support individuals to progress through the provision of guidance counselling, literacy supports, education, training and employment opportunities.

Guidance Professionals 

The (ETBI) Education Training Boards Ireland  support Adult Career Guidance in Ireland, in partnership with (DFHERIS) Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science funds and creates policy for the higher and further education and research sectors. (DFHERIS) also oversee the work of the state agencies and public institutions operating in these areas. 

(ETBI) is also responsible for the Adult Educational Guidance Initiative (AEGI). The Adult Education Guidance Initiative was established with the aim of providing a quality guidance service for Adults. There are many guidance projects throughout the country which provide a guidance service to the returning adult about courses, funding, qualification levels and recognition and the pathways towards a career.

• Adult Education Guidance Services in the Leinster region
• Adult Education Guidance Services in the Munster region
• Adult Education Guidance Services in the Connacht region
• Adult Education Guidance Services in the Ulster region

To find your nearest guidance service click here.

The Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) operates as the professional body representing over 1,200 practitioners in second level schools, third level colleges, adult guidance services, private practice and other settings.

If you are currently attending second level, your guidance counsellor in school is best equipped to provide all the supports necessary to help you make informed career and educational decisions.

The IGC can also provide contact details of professional private practitioners click here.

AHECS Careers Advisors offer career support to people in Higher education services and Third level Institutions. 

Literacy Support

The National Adult Literacy Agency provide many literacy supports including distance learning and learning over the phone. You can find out more information about these literacy supports at www.nala.ie.

Education and Training

SOLAS work in partnership with the sixteen ETB’s around the country and are responsible for co-ordinating and funding many further education programmes from back to education to traineeships and apprenticeships.

AONTAS is Ireland’s National Adult Learning Organisation. Its network in Ireland and has 140 community education provider members. AONTAS estimates that there are approximately 200,000 adults involved in formal and further education programmes. Community education centres promote life-long learning for adults and offer a wide range of courses suited to all levels to encourage learners and communities to become more empowered within society.

AONTAS has a website OneStepUp.ie - which helps adults to get in touch with their local education and training services.  This website brings together all of the contact details for the further education services in the Education and Training Boards, along with useful resources and websites in a simple, easy to use format.  The site has been designed to be phone, tablet and desktop PC compatible. There is also a Freephone Helpline 1800 303 669. 

Jobseekers

Intreo is the service from the Department of Social Protection which provides a single point of contact for all employment and income supports. Intreo offers practical, tailored employment services and supports for jobseekers and employers alike.  Follow the link for the location of your Local Intreo office.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU)

The INOU website contains a useful overview of what you need to know when you become unemployed. The INOU works at local and national levels on issues affecting unemployed people. They support local groups through services such as training, information and analysis of government policies. In particular, their downloadable leaflet Know Your Welfare Rights and their booklet Working for Work are very comprehensive. INOU also maintains a list current job opportunities via Jobswatch, to check the INOU resources section Click Here. 

Local Area Employment Service Network- Obair (LAESN)

Obair (LAESN) services were set up to help long-term unemployed people find work. They provide Employment Guidance officers who support with the job search and liaise with local employers.

The services provided by LAESN are tailored to the needs of each individual client and the local environment within which they operate. Services provided include guidance, training, education and employment supports and are made available through a network of Contact Points.

The (LAESN) operates through a network of offices and outreach centres located in 17 Local Area Employment service providers in Ireland.