Work Readiness Programme – Training
Our Work Readiness Programme is a specialised programme that allows people with Down syndrome to train to a professional standard, gain certification and work in an industry of interest.
We believe that with the support and education provided by our industry partners, coupled with the skills, abilities, aspirations and commitment of each participant, our Work Readiness Programme can help to develop new professional competencies, improve social skills & social inclusion and opportunities to enter the labour market for adults with Down syndrome.
Who are our industry partners?
Beauty in all it’s Forms: Hairdressing Assistant Programme
Beauty in All Its Forms (BIAIF) is an innovative programme for adults with Down syndrome, which we developed in 2017 in collaboration with our partner ALFAPARF Milano Ireland. BIAIF gives adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to train as hairdressing assistants with a view to securing long-term employment. The programme is comprised of 18 weeks of training and education, delivered jointly by Down Syndrome Ireland and ALFAPARF Milano Ireland.
- The first 8 weeks will take place in the ALFAPARF Milano Academy in Dublin, where participants will learn about hair salons, how they work, different roles within the salon and how ALFAPARF Milano hair products are used. In addition, they will learn how to greet clients, fold towels, sterilize hairbrushes, and the basic cleaning tasks normally associated with a Hairdresser Assistant’s role.
- The following 10 weeks will take place in partner salons around the country, when the students will have the opportunity to put their classroom-based learning into practice. The salon will, where possible, be located in the vicinity of where the candidate lives.
The Grafton Barber Training
In 2021 we partnered with The Grafton Barber to create a training and employment programme for adults with Down syndrome. The Grafton Barber programme comprises of 11 weeks of training. Following on from 3 rounds of training, The Grafton Barber now employs 12 adults with Down syndrome in their salons nationwide and we look forward to seeing these opportunities and numbers grow.
- The first 5 weeks of training takes place in The Grafton Barber Academy in Dublin where the students learn how to assist a barber.
- The following 6 weeks the student will be placed in a The Grafton Barber in their locality.
Watch this video to hear Darren, Stephen, Nathan, and Fionn talk about their jobs. Their colleagues talk about the impact having a colleague with Down syndrome has on the workplace.
Dalata Hotel: Hospitality Training Programme
Our partnership with Dalata Hotel Group began in 2023 with the development of our Hospitality Training Programme. The aim of this programme is to provide Food and Beverage training to adults with Down syndrome.
- This is a 6 week training programme that takes place in a Dalata Hotel that is local to the student.
- Learning skills such as: greeting customers, setting tables, preparing cutlery and condiments amongst many other tasks.
- The aim is to secure employment upon completion.
Conrad Hotel: Barista Academy
The Barista Academy was developed through a partnership between Conrad Dublin and Down Syndrome Ireland in 2022. The Conrad Dublin employs 6 adults with Down syndrome.
- This is a 5 week training programme that takes place in the Conrad Hotel in Dublin.
- This training programme teaches students to make various coffees as well as customer service skills.
On completion, DSI’s Employment Team work with graduates to secure employment in hospitality industries.
Dublin Zoo: Retail Training
Down Syndrome Ireland and Dublin Zoo partnered in 2024 to create a retail training program for adults with Down syndrome.
- The program runs for 6 weeks, in the Dublin Zoo gift shop.
- Students learn valuable skills and receive mentorship, including customer service, stocking and retail skills.
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