In this lesson, you will explore the employment opportunities, social services, and job creation agencies in your local area. This will help you understand the local economy, available support systems, and potential career paths as you prepare for life after school.

By the end of this lesson, you will have:

1. Identified key local employment sources based on your knowledge and expanded this through research using reliable online resources.
2. Researched and listed social services in your area, noting their importance to the community and potential job links.
3. Explored job creation agencies, understanding how they support business growth and employment opportunities.
4. Reflected on your findings and considered how they might influence your future career choices or community involvement.

Local employment sources are the various industries, businesses, organisations, and sectors in your local area that provide jobs and work opportunities. These are important because they support the economy and community by creating employment for people like you.

Here are some examples:

• Agriculture and farming: In rural areas, farms and related businesses employ many people in roles like farming, food production, and supply chains.
• Tourism and hospitality: Places like hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions provide jobs in services, especially in areas with natural beauty or historical sites.
• Technology and IT: In cities such as Dublin or Cork, tech companies offer roles in software development, data analysis, and support services.
• Public sector: This includes jobs in local government offices, schools, hospitals, and services run by bodies like the Health Service Executive (HSE).
• Retail and small businesses: Shops, supermarkets, and local enterprises in town centres employ people in sales, management, and logistics.

Building on the list of at least three employment sources you created in the previous step based on your own knowledge, it's time to expand it through some targeted research. This will help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the job opportunities in your local area and verify or add to what you already know.

Start by using the internet to search for reliable information on local industries and employment. For instance, visit the Central Statistics Office website for Ireland: CSO Ireland. Navigate to sections on employment statistics or regional data – you might find reports on sectors like manufacturing, services, or agriculture specific to your county or region.

Other useful resources include local council websites (search for your county council, e.g., 'Dublin City Council employment') or news sites or local newspapers that often report on business developments and job markets. If you're in a rural area, look into agricultural bodies like Teagasc for farming-related employment data.

Social services are organisations and programmes that provide support and assistance to individuals and communities in need. They aim to improve people's quality of life by addressing issues such as health, housing, education, welfare, and more. In Ireland, social services are often provided by government bodies, charities, and local authorities. These services ensure that everyone has access to essential support, helping to reduce inequality and promote wellbeing.

Examples include:

• The Health Service Executive (HSE), which manages healthcare services like hospitals and mental health support.
• Citizens Information Centres, offering advice on rights, entitlements, and public services.
• Community centres that provide recreational activities, support groups, and educational programmes.
• Welfare offices that handle social welfare payments, jobseeker's allowance, and other financial supports.
• Housing associations that assist with affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

Now that we've examined local employment sources, let's explore the social services available in your local area.

To build a comprehensive list, use the internet to research social services specific to your area. Start with the Citizens Information website: Citizens Information, which provides details on local services, rights, and entitlements. You can also check your local council's website (e.g., search for 'Cork County Council social services') or HSE resources for health-related support: HSE Ireland. Look for information on community centres, housing support, or welfare offices in your county.