FSI CareerStart Programme Highlights

• Career opportunities available in International Financial Services – one of Ireland’s fastest growing industries
• Acquire prestigious industry recognised qualifications and personal development skills
• Benefit from work placement/mentoring with world class industry leaders
• No fees for eligible candidates and no loss of jobseeker benefits
• You are not restricted to applying for one course, you may apply for more than one of these courses as availability may be limited on your first choice

This is the second year of the programme and of those who undertook the programme last year, almost two thirds of the participants are now working, more than half of those having been employed by the company in which they completed their work placement. While there are no guarantees of employment, the programme places participants in an ideal position to demonstrate their new skills and impress a prospective employer.

Some comments from last year’s group:

“Course was live, real and relevant”

“Very good quality materials”

“People were treated with respect, professionalism and integrity”

“The seminars helped raise confidence – people looked forward to the seminars”

“Participants were seen to be doing something productive and positive – employers viewed this positively”

Participants reported that a major benefit of the programme was a significant improvement in self esteem, confidence, and energy to continue or re-start their job search activities, recognition of their skills, a direction/focus, a goal, and a sense of achievement (certificate).

About Us

FSI CareerStart offers a unique opportunity to gain new skills that will enable you to enter the exciting and fast growing world of international financial services, while providing an in-depth knowledge of the industry, IFSC companies and information on employment opportunities in the sector. The FSI CareerStart programme provides 100% funding for eligible candidates. Led by Financial Services Ireland, a business sector within IBEC, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, FSI is working with two partners to deliver the Programme:

1. The Institute of Bankers in Ireland – a recognised college of University College Dublin and the leading education provider for those working in banking and financial services

2. The IBEC Management Academy – a leading provider of executive development programmes to companies throughout Ireland.

FSI CareerStart is funded by Springboard an initiative designed to provide education and training opportunities to support unemployed people. The initiative is managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.

How Does it Work?

FSI CareerStart programme runs from September 2011 until September 2012.  Each candidate engages in one of four learning paths with the objective of enhancing their Sector Skills, Professional and Business Skills and Industry Readiness Skills. You may apply for one or more of the options. The programme will be delivered over a 12-month continuous period. During this time, learning will take place in a flexible way through evening lectures, distance/ online learning and one day workshops. Candidates will engage in either (a) a work placement for 3-6 months during the programme, while continuing their educational path or (b) industry mentoring to develop individual career and skills enhancement strategies.

100% funding is provided to candidates for all courses, exams and other programme supports. Candidates can also maintain their jobseekers allowance/benefits if they have been unemployed for at least 6 months before the programme commencement. Please see www.fsicareerstart.ie for eligibility criteria.

SECTOR SKILLS

Candidates choose from four learning options, depending on the individual’s educational and work experience to date. The Sector Skills courses are offered by the Institute of Bankers School of Professional Finance and include four learning options, each recognised at level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

• Option 1: Professional Certificate in International Financial Services

• Option 2: Professional Certificate in Investment Fund Services

• Option 3A: University Diploma in Financial Services (including Professional Certificate in International Financial Services)

• Option 3B: University Diploma in Financial Services (including Professional Certificate in Investment Fund Services)

PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SKILLS

Professional and Business Skills candidates partake in the Certificate in Management offered by the IBEC Management Academy. This 10 module course is designed to develop candidates’ managerial skills so that they can become more efficient managers. The course’s emphasis is on the development of the candidate’s people management, interpersonal, financial and legal skills by providing them with plenty of intellectual stimulation and opportunities to put theory into practice.

INDUSTRY READINESS SKILLS

Candidates engage in either (a) a work placement for 3-6 months during the programme, while continuing their educational path or (b) industry mentoring to develop individual career and skills enhancement strategies. Companies that have participated in the Careerstart programme include: CACEIS Bank Luxembourg - Dublin Branch, Citco Fund Services, Citibank, GAM Fund Management, JP Morgan, State Street.