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Coping with losing a job

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The gradual reopening of the economy here in Ireland and globally highlights the economic consequences of COVID-19.

 

Some businesses are making the difficult decision not to reopen resulting in unemployment for thousands of individuals. The impact of losing your job or being made redundant is felt financially and personally. For many people a job is more than financial security, it facilitates the sharing of your skills and knowledge with others, building up a range of experiences in your role and gives you the chance to socialise with colleagues and customers. The void following losing a job can be felt deeply both personally and professionally. It is important to give yourself time to process how you are feeling about it and then try to put a plan in place.

Coming to terms with the job loss can take some time. It is a time of personal transition. It is important to focus on firstly building back up your confidence.

The following suggestions may help that process along:

Journal:

Write down how you are feeling about what is happening. Getting it down on paper validates the impact of the loss.

Talk to a good listener:

Choose a family member, friend or professional who will be understanding and empathic.
Think about everything you have learned personally and professionally from your role. Even if you are feeling negative about employment possibilities at the moment you will always have the skills, knowledge and experience which you can use in a much greater variety of settings than you may have thought possible. Try to look at this loss as an opportunity to re-evaluate your career, re-assess your skills set and adapt to a rapidly changing world of employment.

Personal Career Action Plan

Once you have given some time to the aforementioned process it is hugely helpful to put a personal career plan into action to facilitate getting back to work. Over the coming weeks we will look at the steps involved in that process including the following; Implementing a structure for job hunting; Outlining your core skills and creating a professional profile; Identifying your ideal role; Networking, updating your CV and cover letter; and preparing effectively for face-to-face and online interviews.

Springboard courses – Applications now open

The Government has just launched this year's free and subsidised higher education places which focus on areas of skills shortages. 13,000 places will commence in 2020, with the additional 4,000 places coming on stream over the remaining two years. For people who are unemployed, those looking to return to the workforce and those in employment with a great opportunity to up-skill or re-skill in areas in which employers need skilled workers. Places are available on courses in a wide range of skills areas, including artificial intelligence, smart factory technology, sustainable energy, medical device technology and cybersecurity. The courses are providing relevant skills for those affected by the COVID-19 crisis and range from Level 6 (Certificate) to Level 9 (Masters) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). But not all courses are full awards. Many are 12 months in duration and lead to minor awards or special purposes awards. Further details about eligibility, courses available and how to apply can be found on www.springboardcourses.ie.

A series of podcasts based on courses, application tips and interviews with graduates of Springboard courses is available on www.springboardplus.libsyn.com and is well worth a listen for those considering up-skilling and returning to education as an adult.

Niamh Dwyer, Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore & PRO of Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She can be contacted on careerfocusnow@gmail.com

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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