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FIT History
How it all came about
The FIT Working Group (Corel, CSC, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Symantec, the IDA, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Ballymun Job Centre) came together with the assistance of the IDA in September 1998.
The research / analysis involved in developing this innovative initiative outlined the key areas of IT skills shortage and identified appropriate market-led curriculums (combining technical competency and professional and career development). The FIT motivation is to enable long-term unemployed people 'leapfrog' the skills barrier to secure a professional career in the area of IT.
The concept of FIT reflects the input and influence of major IT employers in setting out their labour and skill requirements and the previous experiences and initiatives from the Ballymun Job Centre and other community based training initiatives throughout the country.
Since its commencement in 1999 the FIT Initiative has realised significant achievements in Ireland and has drawn the attention of international commentators as an effective working model of effective CSR and a demonstration of the impact and potential of cross-sector (private, public and community) collaboration.
Today, many other key players have joined the team. Our current list include Microsoft, AIB, IBEC, Eircom, IBM, Dell, Symantec, Oracle, Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, AOL, Uniphar, IMRO, Skillsoft, We Localize, Alchemy, Origin Enterprises Plc, Virtual HRM; state training providers FÁS and Vocational Education Committees (VECs); Local Employment Services Networks (LESNs); and Area Partnership Companies (APCs).
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Milestones
FIT's success is in its numbers
Over 6,500 unemployed people have changed their lives by participating in FIT training programmes. They are gaining skills and employment and industry is gaining motivated, intelligent and well-trained employees.
The vast majority of these participants have indicated (validated by their lack of education, training or work history to date) that they would not have considered or engaged in such training but for this intervention. Almost 4,000 have secured employment or progressed into further education and training. It is estimated that in excess of 95% of all participants are using ICTs in their everyday lives be it in the workplace, in further education or in the home.
During 2006, over 1,300 people participated in FIT programmes. Over 600 participated in ICT training for industry of which 65% of graduates have secured employment opportunities or progressed into further education / training opportunities directly and a further 10% will progress into employment over the coming year.
"Over 26 companies have led the way in the FIT initiative, join us and your organisation can share those benefits too!"
The FIT Model - Nationally and Internationally
Since its inception, FIT has attracted much interest nationwide. There have also been many requests from international organisations who wish to replicate the FIT Model. The policy of the company is to share this knowledge, both at home and abroad, while still being mindful of the responsibilities that we have to our original objectives.
This widespread interest in the FIT model along with our own experience in implementing it; serves to enhance and reinforce our own conviction about its application to industry needs. It also underlines the initiative's potential for continued growth and expansion in meeting the IT recruitment needs of the industry and the wider economy, both in Ireland and further afield.