Cork ETB and Cork Chamber Celebrate Success of Youthreach Work Placement Pilot

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Cork ETB and Cork Chamber Celebrate Success of Youthreach Work Placement Pilot
-Working Connections opens real workplace doors for Youthreach learners across Cork-
 
Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) and Cork Chamber of Commerce today celebrated the success of the Working Connections programme at an employer appreciation event held at Republic of Work, Cork. The pilot initiative, which connected Youthreach learners with meaningful, employer-led work placements, marks an important step in creating inclusive pathways to employment for young people across the city and region.

Six students were referred to the programme, and placements were secured for all six across a diverse range of Cork employers — including Dell Technologies, Clayton Hotel Cork City, JW O’Donovan Solicitors, Kingsley Hotel, Talbot Hotel Midleton, and Republic of Work. Four students completed the full programme, with each gaining hands-on experience, skills and mentorship tailored to their individual interests and career aspirations.

The initiative was born from the recognition that social capital, the networks and connections that help young people access opportunities, plays a significant role in determining who gets a foot in the door. For many Youthreach students, those networks simply aren’t there. Working Connections was designed to change that.

Conor Healy, Chief Executive of Cork Chamber of Commerce, said, “Cork Chamber’s vision is to lead a transforming and ambitious Cork city and county, and our purpose is to unite, represent and support our members and our community. Working Connections brings both to life in a very direct way. It connects our members’ expertise and goodwill with young people in our community who have real potential and deserve a genuine chance to fulfil it. An ambitious Cork is one where opportunity isn’t determined by circumstance, and this programme is a concrete step in that direction.”

Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations and Governance at Cork Chamber of Commerce, said, “What we wanted to do with this programme was use Cork Chamber’s employer relationships deliberately to open doors for young people who haven’t always had access to the same networks and opportunities as others. Social capital matters enormously in who gets a fair shot at the world of work and this pilot is about making sure Youthreach students are not disadvantaged by that gap. We were absolutely delighted to get this off the ground this year, and the results have exceeded our expectations.”

Denis Leamy, Chief Executive of Cork ETB, said, “Working Connections is a strong example of what can be achieved when education and industry come together with a shared purpose to create meaningful and inclusive pathways into the world of work. This initiative reflects our FET Strategy 2026–2030 and its focus on connecting learners directly to real opportunities. I want to commend all the employers, coordinators, and students involved.”

Keith Murphy, Director of Further Education and Training at Cork ETB, said, “This is what social capital looks like in practice. Access to people, workplaces, and opportunities that help shape future pathways. The success of this pilot is a testament to the commitment of our Youthreach coordinators, the generosity of our employer partners, and the courage of the students who stepped forward and gave it their all.”

The Working Connections pilot is now set to grow, with both Cork ETB and Cork Chamber committed to expanding the number of students and employer partners involved in future cycles.
 


 

Cork ETB and Cork Chamber Celebrate Success of Youthreach Work Placement Pilot