Efforts should commence immediately to find a new, more suitable training and work experience programme to replace JobBridge according to Clare Fine Gael TD Pat Breen.
On Friday the JobBridge internship programme was closed to new applicants with Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar saying the “far from perfect” initiative had served its purpose.
The controversial JobBridge scheme was launched in 2011 and provided work experience opportunities for unemployed people. Participants were offered an internship of up to nine months – which saw them keep their social welfare payment and get an extra €52 per week.
Pat Breen, Minister of State for Employment and Small Business feels that the scheme had run its course and a new alternative must be introduced. “A new system that reflects a changing market must be found in the bid to get even more people back to work.”
Five years on from the establishment of JobBridge, Pat says the economy and labour markets have changed dramatically in the intervening years. “As the market changes however we must also change how we approach back to work assistance and initiatives so that they are effective at targeting the jobs market as it is now”.
He is calling for a new approach to assist people in finding employment. “Some of that work has already begun, even within my own Department, where new forms of apprenticeships in areas where employment is growing are being encouraged and supported. Just recently I attended the announcement by Eirtech Aviation that 14 candidates have been selected to train at its operations base in Shannon Airport,” added Minister Breen.
Following the closure of JobBridge the Department of Social Protection will now hold a consultation process on the principles proposed by the Labour Market Council. The JobBridge programme has closed to new applicants and will be wound down. Those currently on the programme will be able to complete their internship.