Donegal County Enterprise Board is launching a ground-breaking new initiative for local professionals and trades-people that are out of work or under-employed.
DiscoveryZone is a free 12-week programme aimed at getting experienced trades-people and professionals in Donegal back to work.
The goal of the initiative is to help people make the best possible use of their skills and experience.
The programme aims to connect the right state supports to the right people at the right time, to generate more employment and to fast track business ideas with high potential for growth.
DiscoveryZone has already been a huge success in Louth and Meath with over 93% of participants finishing the programme with a new business or new career.
Recruitment for the Donegal programme begins next week with a cut-off date of 26th March for applicants.
“Results from the programme so far have been fantastic” says Ursula Donnelly, Assistant Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board.
“93% are in a new business or career, with 17% of participants securing new full-time jobs and 47% starting their own new business.
“We’re really excited about launching the programme in Donegal for the first time”.
Discovery Zone is a 12-week programme delivered through a mixture of workshops, training and active learning assignments.
Participants get 36 days of face-to-face training, 50 hours of one-to-one mentoring and access to high-specification office spaces.
The programme covers subjects including career planning, effective communication, self presentation and planning your own business.
“Discovery Zone is highly intensive and it is focused on helping you to achieve your potential. It’s not a training course,” says Gerry Moan, Programme Manager (PICTURED).
“By the time you have finished the Discovery Zone Programme you’ll have plotted your path and you’ll be well on the way to achieving it.”
The 12 weeks include regular case study presentations by other business people and professionals who have been through the process themselves and who have successfully launched a new business or career.
Previous participants have had backgrounds in manufacturing, food, technology, tourism, healthcare, green technologies, import substitution, childcare and many more.
To apply today or for further information about the Discovery Zone programme please contact Cathy Slattery, Donegal County Enterprise Board on 074 9160735 or visit www.donegalenterprise.ie.
County and City Enterprise Boards are funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Union under the EU Structural Funds 2007 – 2013.
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