The LGMA has partnered with the Willing Abled Mentoring (WAM) Programme to recruit graduates with disabilities across Ireland for a variety of roles within a number of participating local authorities.
Roles are available in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Kerry and Waterford in areas such as HR, Climate and Environment, Community and Sport, Communications and ICT.
According to Census data from 2016, the employment rate of disabled people was about half of the rate for those without disabilities (36.5 per cent versus 72.8 per cent). Disabled people in Ireland continue to face significant gaps in employment, compared to people who don’t have a disability.
The WAM Programme works to close the gap by supporting graduates with disabilities in the transition to the workforce, and by working with employers to ensure their recruitment practices are accessible and inclusive.
The partnership was coordinated by Jane Brophy, Local Government Organisational Support with the LGMA who said, “Equality, diversity and inclusion are core values of the local government sector. The LGMA and local authorities are delighted to be participating in the WAM scheme and to offer opportunities for graduates with a disability to gain valuable experience at the heart of local government while developing their careers and making a real difference for their communities and country."
“The positions available demonstrate the breadth of roles available in the local government sector, spanning a whole range of areas and disciplines, including emerging and exciting areas such as climate action, communications, active travel, sport and community development.”
Caroline McGrotty, Employment Manager at AHEAD said, “AHEAD are delighted to be working with various local authorities across Ireland to offer fixed-term, fully paid, graduate level work placements for people with disabilities. This partnership will hopefully lead to greater inclusion and awareness as to the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities in addition to enabling local authorities to meet their commitments set out in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities.
How to Apply
Graduates with a qualification of NFQ Level 6 and above and who meet the eligibility criteria should visit www.ahead.ie/LAplacements for information on all of the roles available and details on how to apply.