Employment and Skills SICAP Case Study
This case study presents a detailed look at how SECAD Partnership CLG, through the SICAP 2024–2028 programme, supports individuals in South Cork who face multiple barriers to employment. By sharing real-life stories of people progressing into jobs, self-employment, and enterprise, it highlights the transformative impact of employment supports, skills training, and community-based initiatives.
You can read a short overview below or download the full narrative to explore these inspiring journeys. This case study is a valuable resource for anyone interested in community development, workforce integration, and practical approaches to supporting vulnerable populations.
Read the SICAP Case Study overview
Building skills and employment opportunities in South Cork
Under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024–2028, SECAD Partnership CLG is committed to supporting people who are distant from the labour market and facing multiple barriers to employment. These barriers often include long-term unemployment, literacy challenges, poor mental health, addiction, or intergenerational disadvantage.
Every year, over 600 individuals engage with SECAD’s employment and skills services. Through community-based hubs in Midleton, Youghal, Cobh, Carrigaline, Macroom, and Millstreet, SECAD delivers tailored supports that empower participants to build confidence, learn new skills, and progress towards work or self-employment.
The supports provided under SICAP are multifaceted — from CV and interview preparation workshops to industry-specific upskilling courses and enterprise mentoring for those wishing to start their own businesses. Each individual’s journey begins with a one-to-one consultation, ensuring a personal action plan that reflects their goals and challenges.
Transforming lives: real stories of progress
This SICAP Case Study highlights three individuals whose lives have been transformed through SECAD’s support:
- Iryna – originally from Ukraine, she has successfully established her own business in Macroom.
- Esther – now employed with the Cumann na Daoine Community Café, building both professional skills and local connections.
- Tommy – employed with Waterford Local Link, demonstrating how targeted employment supports can open doors to sustainable work.
Each story reflects the real impact of SICAP’s human-centred approach — where confidence, inclusion, and community engagement are just as important as skills and qualifications.
Addressing local and national socio-economic challenges
The South Cork area faces ongoing socio-economic challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, housing shortages, youth unemployment, and rural decline. These pressures are mirrored nationally and have been intensified by Ireland’s changing demographic landscape.
Between 2023 and 2025, Ireland experienced a significant rise in the number of migrants and people seeking protection, many arriving with valuable skills but facing obstacles such as:
- Limited English language proficiency
- Non-recognition of qualifications or licences
- Lack of Irish work experience or driving certification
SECAD works with over 14 Accommodation Centres across South Cork, supporting more than 2,600 residents at peak times — a mix of International Protection Applicants and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.
Despite the challenges, the majority of participants show an extraordinary drive to integrate, upskill, and contribute positively to their communities. Through SICAP, SECAD provides practical, targeted supports to help them transition into employment, training, or enterprise.
Collaboration and community partnership for employment
The success of SECAD’s employment and skills work is grounded in collaboration. SICAP delivery is strengthened through partnerships with local, regional, and national organisations that share a commitment to inclusion and lifelong learning.
Key partners include:
- CETB, NALA, and Adult Literacy Services for accredited training and language learning
- EmployAbility, LAES, Department of Social Protection, and Family Resource Centres for referral and client support
- Community organisations such as Cumann na Daoine, Macroom-E Centre, Citizens Information, and Local Training Initiatives
This integrated approach ensures participants receive wrap-around supports — not only training and employment advice, but also access to wellbeing, literacy, and personal development opportunities.
Proven impact: measurable employment and skills outcomes
SECAD’s track record under SICAP demonstrates a consistent, measurable impact.
- From 2018 – 2023, 558 individuals progressed into employment.
- 147 new businesses were established through self-employment supports such as the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) and Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA).
- In the current SICAP programme (2024–2025), more than 200 individuals have already progressed into jobs or business start-ups.
Among these successes, people seeking protection have achieved strong outcomes, despite language and qualification barriers. This progress reflects their determination and the strength of SECAD’s inclusive support model.
Continuous learning: what works and what’s next
One of the key lessons from SECAD’s SICAP delivery is the importance of integrated, long-term planning across government and community programmes. While SECAD provides expertise in areas like employability, enterprise, and lifelong learning, broader collaboration is needed to address systemic challenges in housing, childcare, transport, and healthcare.
The organisation will continue to:
- Expand English Conversation Clubs to support language learning and confidence building.
- Deliver accessible wellbeing programmes that engage people on the margins of community life.
- Advocate for sustained investment in local communities to ensure long-term social inclusion outcomes.
A key insight from the team’s work is that progress often begins with confidence. Encouragement, consistency, and trust-building are at the heart of every success story. For many participants, the free, confidential employment supports provided through SICAP represent a lifeline — a fresh start and the first step towards independence.
Creating inclusive communities through employment and skills
Through the SICAP 2024–2028 programme, SECAD Partnership CLG remains committed to its mission of promoting social inclusion, equality, and sustainable employment. By combining community development with skills training and enterprise support, SECAD helps people not only find jobs but also build meaningful, resilient futures.
This case study is more than a snapshot — it’s a testament to the power of targeted community action to change lives.
Interested in learning more about SECAD’s work?
Download the full narrative of the SICAP Case Study 2025 “Learning & Skills – Pathways to Thrive”.
