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Work Ready Programmes

Developing courses for Down Syndrome Ireland members and other students.

Learners attending focus group

The project partners were:

About this project

Purpose

The Work Ready Programme is an innovative collaborative initiative developed by the City of Dublin ETB Adult Education Service and Down Syndrome Ireland. Designed to enhance employment readiness and progression opportunities for adults with Down syndrome and other learners with intellectual disabilities, the programme supports participants in developing the skills, confidence, and knowledge required for the workplace. The courses are now available for delivery by any Education and Training Board (ETB) or education and training provider.

Background

The Work Ready Programme was developed through a partnership between City of Dublin FET College Finglas, Barry Road and Down Syndrome Ireland under the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy Collaboration and Innovation Fund. The project responded to a recognised gap in Further Education and Training provision by creating employment-focused learning resources at NFQ Level 2, specifically designed for learners with intellectual disabilities. Please read more about the research titled “Inclusive Pathways in Further Education and Training for Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Enhancing Access to Employment” which informed the project here.

The programme addresses a longstanding challenge whereby there are limited structured progression pathways between foundational education and meaningful employment for learners with intellectual disabilities. The project aligns with national priorities relating to disability inclusion, lifelong learning, literacy and employment participation.

Programme Overview

The Work Ready Programme consists of five employment-focused modules, each supported by a learner workbook and and one overall accompanying tutor handbook.

Modules include:

  • Working in Retail

  • Working in an Office

  • Working in a Hotel

  • Working in a Café/Restaurant

  • Working in a Hairdresser/Barbers

The resources are designed using universal design for learning principles and easy read approaches to maximise accessibility and learner engagement.

The programme was developed through extensive consultation with learners with intellectual disabilities; Down Syndrome Ireland; employers; education providers; and disability service organisations. Learner voice was embedded throughout the design process using a dedicated student focus group.

More about this project

Key Achievements

The project successfully delivered five industry-specific learner workbooks as well as a comprehensive tutor handbook. It also created a new collaborative network between education providers, disability organisations and employers focusing on strong employer engagement to ensure modules reflect real workplace requirements.

A launch event was held bringing together learners, employers, educators and policymakers.

Industry partners included:

  • Together Academy

  • SuperValu

  • Conrad Dublin

  • Grafton Barber

  • Down Syndrome Ireland

Additional collaboration took place with organisations including DCU, WALK and St John of God services. 

Innovation

The programme represents a significant innovation within Further Education and Training. Prior to its development there were no employment preparation programmes at NFQ Level 2 directly linked to specific industry sectors.

The programme combines accessible literacy, numeracy and digital skills; sector-specific vocational preparation; employer-informed curriculum development; learner-centred design; and practical progression routes towards employment. It can also be used as a resource for inclusive employers who want to support workplace learning through accessible, easy read and task-based learning. 

Impact

The Work Ready Programme has created an evidence-based model for employment preparation for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Key outcomes of the programme include increased collaboration between education and industry; accessible learning materials suitable for national use; stronger progression opportunities towards employment; enhanced learner confidence and independence; a scalable model capable of supporting inclusive workforce participation.

Link to resources