Minister confirms newly qualified teachers can use JobBridge to complete their probation

Senator Fidelma Healey Eames - Google Images

by Katie Finnegan

Fine Gael Senator for Galway West, Fidelma Healy Eames, has received confirmation from the Minister for Education that newly qualified teachers can use the JobBridge internship programme to complete their probation.

JobBridge is a new National Internship Scheme that will provide work experience placements for interns for a 6 or 9 month period.

Minister for Education Ruari Quinn confirmed to Healy Eames last week that schools and VECs would also be able to take part in the JobBridge Scheme.

Speaking on the issue, Healy Eames says, “I’m delighted to receive confirmation from Minister Quinn that young teachers who are struggling to find school placements can use the JobBridge programme to complete their probation. This is very welcome news”

The National Internship Scheme has been set up in order to aid jobseekers who are unable to get a job without prior experience. It includes those who already have education or training as well as those who are unemployed and wish to learn new skills.  It will give these people the opportunity to gain the necessary experience to further their career.

Healy Eames is most concerned with the placement of teachers and has welcomed the new scheme. “This is a very positive step, and should help to stem the growing number of newly qualified teachers joining the dole queues. By participating in JobBridge many of these young teachers will now be able to undergo their probation and become fully registered with the Teaching Council.” said Healy Eames following the announcement.

She went on to say “I would now encourage both schools and teachers to register with Fás so both sides can avail of this programme. It has been made clear that schools cannot use the scheme to displace existing members of staff. But I think it’s a great opportunity to avail of additional resources; it’s a win-win situation for teachers and schools alike”

Air Lingus - Google Images

Job Bridge not only benefits those in the teaching sector. Up to 5,000 work experience placements will be made available to participants in the private, public and voluntary sectors also. They include the Quinn Group, Smurfit Kappa, Mercury Engineering and Aer Lingus.

The scheme began on the first of July and is open to anyone who has been signing on for at least three months. Interns will continue to receive their social welfare payment, and will be given an additional €50 a week.

Anyone looking for more information can e-mail jobbridgeapp@fas.ie or by calling 046 9738080.