SECAD Partnership provides free employment supports under the SICAP programme to help individuals facing challenges in entering or returning to the workforce. SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) 2024–2028 is administered by Pobal and co-funded by the Government of Ireland. It tackles poverty and social exclusion at a local level by providing tailored supports to disadvantaged individuals and linking them to existing services.
We deliver our services in the form of free monthly Employment Support workshops followed by one-to-one sessions across Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Millstreet, Macroom, and Carrigaline.
Our employment support services include:
- Advice, career coaching & guidance to identify your career options and goals
- Help to explore the skills and qualifications required for different jobs
- Helping you to look at your options & identifying your skills and abilities
- Support to explore and access education & training opportunities
- Guidance on how to apply for supports while you learn & new courses that are available
- Support in finding employment that fits your needs and/or career aims
- Creating or redesigning your CV using the current format
- Preparing for interviews – carrying out mock interviews including online interviews
- Assistance with writing cover letters and completing application forms
Referrals and additional services tailored to employment support clients’ needs:
If you need essential job-readiness training:
We can refer you to our SICAP Skills Training programmes, including Manual Handling, Safe Pass, and Food Safety (HACCP Level 2).
If you need support with training, education, wellbeing, counselling, or social welfare:
We can advise you and, where appropriate, refer you to other SECAD services or external organisations that provide these supports.
If you are interested in becoming self-employed:
We can connect you with SECAD’s Start Your Own Business Support services.
If you are long-term unemployed and seeking work experience:
We can support you in accessing Community Work Placement through the Tús Programme.
If you have literacy challenges or a physical or mental disability:
We can guide you toward programmes and supports tailored to your specific needs.
If you need a laptop to complete an online course:
Registered clients may access our laptop loan scheme to help develop skills required by the job market.
Please note: availability is limited.
Who is eligible for our employment support services:
Our services delivered through SICAP Programme and focused on supporting disadvantaged individuals in Cork rural communities, who are:
- Long-term unemployed (over 12 months)
- Low-income or underemployed
- From low-income households
- Single parents and carers
- People out of work through illness and/or limited abilities
- Refugees, people seeking protection in Ireland
Real success stories from SECAD SICAP Employment Support
SECAD SICAP Employment Support services not only help people build skills and confidence — they lead to real results. Many participants progress into meaningful work, training, or self-employment.
Recent success stories include Iryna, who established her own business in Macroom; Esther, now working with the Cumann na Daoine Community Café; and Tommy, employed with Waterford Local Link. These journeys highlight how our human-centred and tailored approach empowers individuals to move forward with confidence.
Discover more in the SICAP Case Study 2025 “Learning & Skills – Pathways to Thrive”.
How to register for our monthly employment support workshops
Our free Employment Support Workshops take place every month in Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Millstreet, Macroom, and Carrigaline.
Workshops usually begin at 10 a.m. Each session includes registration, the workshop itself, a questions-and-answers segment, and a confidential one-to-one consultation to discuss your individual needs. We typically have 10 to 16 spaces available per workshop, and advance registration is required to secure your place.
Please register for the location where you would like to attend the workshop.
| Venue | Registration Link |
| MIDLETON Midleton Soccer Club, Knockgriffin, Midleton, P25 NR20 |
Click here to register |
| YOUGHAL Cumann Na Daoine, Catherine Street, Youghal, P36 WY82 |
Click here to register |
| MILLSTREET Cork College of FET Centre Main Street, Millstreet, P51 W3Y2 |
Click here to register |
| CARRIGALINE Carrigaline Library, Strand Road, Carrigaline, P43 HA25 |
Click here to register |
| MACROOM Macroom-E Enterprise Centre, Bowl Road, Macroom, P12 FV30 |
Click here to register |
| COBH Cobh Community Centre, Orelia Terrace, Cobh, P24KW82 |
Click here to register |
If you have questions in relation to your registration, please, contact SECAD’s Midleton office at 021 4613432 or info@secad.ie