“Your journey is your story—share it to inspire others to dream, learn, and achieve.” - Oprah Winfrey
Inspiring the Future Ireland is a careers education programme for children and young people attending DEIS schools in South County Dublin. Based on international research, the programme aims to challenges stereotypes that can limit young people’s potential by demonstrating a range of career possibilities through engagement with positive career role models who are working and living in our community.
By volunteering their time through career talks, offering unique work experiences with leading employers, university access events and STEM-focused workshops and activities our volunteers share their love of their work, the journey the took to achieve their aspirations and the challenges they faced on the way. They offer insight into career pathways whether through apprenticeships, traineeships, third level education or sustainable employment and what to expect from the world of work.
ITFI is the leading connection between young people and career professionals and has been developed to ensure the best opportunities are provided to these young people.
‘Find Your Inspiration’ is a careers programme designed to be delivered by teachers of 5th of 6th class pupils. The aim is to broaden children's horizons, to increase their knowledge of different careers and to increase their expectations of themselves. The programme was developed by Home School Liaison Teachers from local DEIS schools and South Dublin County Partnership. The resources were created by Anne Bower and were designed to compliment and enhance the modules covered in social, personal, health education.
The core of the programme is comprised of a set of seven lessons. Teachers are trained in the delivery of the programme and supplied with a wide range of resources, including a Teacher’s Pack with lesson plans, resources and games; as well as a Pupil Workbook with interactive worksheets.
On completing the programme students and teachers can request a visit from one of Inspiring the Future Ireland network of volunteers from the world of work who will talk to pupils about their careers and the varied pathways they took to get there. They can also take part in our "Work Experience" programme, a whole class project run in collaboration with our partner South Dublin County Council during which children can learn about the people that work for our community and the jobs they do from our park rangers, librarians, to our county council and Mayor..
2874students reached at Career Talks in primary and secondary schools
132students on Work Placement
135Students in Tech Taster programmes
583students reached at large scale events
75workshops delivered
229Active volunteers for 2024
806Students in STEM based programmes
240students reached at University Access visits
Inspired to volunteer?
Inspiring the Future Ireland is looking for new volunteers in the world of work! The young people of South County Dublin want to hear your story – so what are you waiting for? We are looking for interactive volunteers to get involved in a range of different activities. With so many aspects to the project, there is something for every volunteer to get involved in!
Volunteers pledge one hour a year to get involved! Do you have an hour to spare?
Doing the programme took away that fear for me and gave me confidence.
Digital Skills Participant
I enjoyed hearing about peoples journeys & what they did before their current job because it shows you don't need to choose immediately.
4th year female student
It allowed the children to get an understanding that there are many different ways to achieve a career they dream of.
Teacher
Best bit - Engaging with the 6th class pupils. They are a lovely bunch and asked some really good questions.
Volunteer
My favourite part of the placement was meeting people who work in the establishment and learn what it’s like to work there.
Student
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