Logo for Offaly Local Development Company above the word "PLACE," which is an acronym for "Progressing learning into accessible continuous employment." The design features a light blue background with green and teal abstract shapes.
A horizontal banner featuring three logos from left to right: the Government of Ireland crest and wordmark; the European Union flag with the text "Co-funded by the European Union" in both Irish and English; and the Pobal logo with the tagline "government supporting communities." Below the logos, text reads: "This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union."

People

Empowering individuals with disabilities (aged 16+) to gain the skills and confidence needed for the modern workforce.

Place

Creating inclusive local workplaces across Offaly that value diversity and accessible employment opportunities.

Partnership

Collaborative support between participants, employers, and the Department of Social Protection to bridge the labor gap.

Community Integration

Ensuring seamless access to education, training, and long-term career prospects within the local community.

About WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment

The WorkAbility programme, branded as PLACE (Progressing Learning into Accessible Continuous Employment), is a dedicated initiative implemented by Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC). It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027.

Our primary mission is twofold:

  • For Participants: We fully support people with disabilities to develop career pathways, find meaningful work, and maintain successful employment.
  • For Organisations: We assist employers in creating inclusive, progressive, and successful working environments for all.

Information

To participate in the PLACE programme, you should meet the following criteria:

  1. Age: You must be 16 years of age or older.
  2. Status: You are experiencing physical or mental health difficulties that currently prevent you from being active in employment.
  3. Goal: You are interested in obtaining a job (full or part-time) or wish to increase your current working hours.

We provide a professional career pathway development plan tailored to your unique needs. Our supports include:

  • Skills & Training:Access to skills-specific education and training.
  • Job Readiness: Practical help with job-seeking skills, C.V. preparation, and cover letters.
  • Personal Growth: Dedicated sessions for confidence building and personal development.
  • Active Support: Direct assistance in seeking and applying for employment.

We follow a structured five-step process to ensure you reach your goals:

  • Initial Meeting: Meet the coordinator to see if the programme fits your needs.
  • Information Gathering: We discuss your background, work history, and support requirements.
  • Registration: Complete the necessary forms (Valid ID like a passport or birth cert is required).
  • Vocational Assessment: If needed, an assessment helps identify the right training and career direction.
  • Individual Plan: We collaborate to create a plan involving coaching, knowledge building, and work experience.

We partner with local businesses to ensure hiring is a success for both the employer and the employee. We provide:

  • Training & Mentoring: Workplace training, mentoring, and job shadowing opportunities.
  • Assessments: Professional workplace job assessments.
  • Scheme Liaison: Support in linking with various workplace support schemes.
  • Recruitment: Active assistance in the recruitment of qualified workers.
  • Ongoing Support: Continued mentoring after a participant is hired to ensure long-term success.

Downloads and Resources

Contact

Take the next step with the WorkAbility Programme. Our team is ready to support you with personalised guidance to help you move towards employment, training, and new opportunities. Contact your local coordinator today to find out how we can help.

Sarah Kennedy

Sustainable Communities & Social Enterprise Team Leader

Charlene Brogan

Development Worker

Brenna Devery

Development Worker

Passionate – Dedicated – Professional

Learn more about what we do.