Mike Workforce

Michael McDonnell, CEO
Former Managing Director CIPD
& Founding Chairman UniJobs DAC

Our Story

Welcome to Workforce Talent (CLG). We are an innovative social enterprise company that embraces atypical work-seekers. Michael McDonnell - Mike, Chief Executive, has funded and established this not-for-profit company which assists people recovering from addiction and/or criminal convictions, to develop the confidence, skills and the self-belief they need to overcome the challenges of future employment and building a better life.

We are humbled by the number of organisations of all sizes that have helped us to find opportunities for people coming from these backgrounds. We strongly believe that everyone has the ability to change and deserves the chance to seek and gain employment. This is why our support network is providing participants with a step- by-step guide for getting back on their feet and bringing them back into full employment.

Focus on Employment

As we know, employment offers a unique opportunity for reintegrating into wider society by helping people develop new social networks, self esteem and financial independence which can build a new life.

WT Supporter Promoting Ethical Work Experience
Vision

To create an environment where recruitment and career progression are based solely on merit.

Purpose

To devise an employer focused methodology for recruiting atypical job applicants.

Mission

To equip job seekers with the skills necessary for success in a changing and evolving workplace.

Core Value

Don't stop believing in your ability to change your life for the better.

What’s Next? - Finding Work After Prison and/or Recovery from Addiction

For many of us, trying to find a job to suit our circumstances in life can be a difficult task that involves a lot of care, time, and effort. For people holding a criminal record or troubled past, this is a much more difficult challenge. We at Workforce Talent aim to bring back confidence and instil resilience in those who have lost it along the way.

If you really look closely at people in life, most overnight successes actually took a long time. We understand that confidence and success go hand-in-hand. This is why we have developed an easy step-by-step programme, that is specially tailored to suit each person we work with. The programme generates a strong feeling of confidence and provides the added boost necessary for success. We sensitively support participants in the training and skills that employers look for and prepare them to be ready for work, thus leading to a brighter future with rebuilt lives.

Economic and Social Benefits of Employment Training for People with Challenging Backgrounds

It is essential that we work with our partners in Government, the education sector and the corporate world to foster and help to change lives for the better. Training people who have completed a prison sentence to gain employment upon release has gained increasing attention due to positive impacts of such programs on individuals, society, and the economy.

Reduced Recidivism Rates:

  • Employment-focused training helps reduce recidivism by providing participants with marketable skills, enhancing their chances of successful reintegration into society.
  • Lower recidivism rates contribute to reduced strain on law enforcement resources and prison infrastructure, ultimately saving public funds.
  • Current Position: In 2013 over half of all offenders were back in prison within three years of release, 40% for drug-related offences. These numbers are continuing to grow. The figure in Norway in 2023 was 20% after five years. Our approach in Workforce Talent draws heavily on the Norwegian model.

Increased Tax Revenue:

  • Employed ex-prisoners contribute to the economy through income and payroll taxes, bolstering government revenues.
  • According to the Minister for Justice in 2023 the annual cost of keeping a prisoner in jail was €84,667. ( Up from €80,335 in 2021). 
  • A decrease in the number of individuals reliant on social services due to reintegration success results in additional economic benefits.

Enhanced Productivity and Labor Force:

  • Trained ex-prisoners bring valuable skills to the labour market, contributing to increased overall productivity.
  • A larger pool of skilled workers positively impacts industries and sectors, fostering economic growth.

Cost Savings on Prison Services:

  • Successful employment post-release reduces the burden on prison services, leading to cost savings for taxpayers.
  • Funds saved can be redirected towards other public services, infrastructure, or rehabilitation programs.

Social Stability and Community Well-being:

  • Employment opportunities for ex-prisoners contribute to community stability by reducing crime rates and enhancing public safety.
  • Strengthening family units through gainful employment positively impacts the well-being of children and reduces the need for welfare services.

Private Sector Engagement and Social Responsibility:

  • Encouraging private sector involvement in prisoner training programs promotes corporate social responsibility.
  • Businesses benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce while contributing to societal rehabilitation.

Global Competitiveness:

  • A well-trained and rehabilitated workforce enhances a nation’s competitiveness on the global stage.
  • Societies with lower crime rates and rehabilitated citizens are more attractive to foreign investors, fostering economic growth.

Investing in training programs for former prisoners, and other people with challenging backgrounds, to gain employment offers multifaceted economic and social benefits, ranging from reduced recidivism to increased tax revenue and enhanced workforce productivity. These initiatives not only contribute to economic growth but also address social issues, creating a more sustainable and resilient society.

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3 steps for your success

Our 3 Stage Process

The Workforce Talent Unique Three Step Approach
Step:01

Competent Communicator Programme

Our Competent Communicator Programme is intended to help participants “find their voice” and is the first step in regaining the confidence necessary to make a positive contribution.

  • Addressing nerves and negative self-talk
  • The Mighty Icebreaker
  • The 10 key elements of effective communications
  • Holding difficult conversations
  • Performance reviews & feedback
  • Impromptu speaking
  • Chairperson skills
Step:02

Soft Skills Development Course

Our Soft Skills Development Course builds on the Competent Communicator Programme by developing a set of critical soft skills necessary for success in the workplace.

  • Communication
  • Listening
  • Resilience
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Collaboration
  • Flexibility
  • Attitude and gratitude
  • Conflict resolution
Step:03

Work Preparation Planning

In our Work Preparation Planning, participants will have access to career counselling, CV writing and interview preparation, followed by work experience. Workforce Talent plans to partner with a wide range of ethical employers who are willing to enhance participants’ career opportunities through work experience, opening the door to employment. Some participants may also continue in education and further their studies.

  • Career review
  • The impactful CV
  • The interview
  • Ethical work experience
  • eCV PASSPORT: Bringing it all together in a compelling way with QR code options
Success Stories

We are delighted to share some of our
clients’ success stories

Success Stories

Seán entered prison at 25. He already held two prior convictions for possession of hard drugs. Despite doing well in college and graduating with a Degree in Engineering, This was not the life he had planned. While he grew up in a loving home, the company he chose was very bad and led him astray. He deprived himself of many personal and career opportunities, effectively missing out on an entire decade of employment, family life, and personal growth. There were few resources for Seán to get his life back and find a job in engineering considering his criminal record. However, he got there. Workforce Talent gave him the opportunity to start over and gain back his confidence and resilience. He now lives happily again with his family and is searching for his own home. Seán is currently working on a number of new developments for social housing in a large provincial town.

Seán’s Story

Joan grew up with a difficult background. Having become pregnant as a teenager her parents forced her to go abroad alone to get an abortion. Having difficulty in coping with her circumstances, Joan got into trouble when she returned back home to Ireland.  Looking back,  Joan regrets shoplifting and committing crime for a living, finding herself often on the streets. She eventually ended up in prison for a number of years. Following her release,  Joan had little hope of getting her life back on track. After completing a Workforce Talent pilot programme Joan found the self esteem, and confidence to obtain successful employment with a leading hotel group.

Joan’s story

Dublin-born Richard grew up in Ballyfermot and married his childhood sweetheart. However, while Richard’s partner was expecting their first baby, he was sent to prison for three years. After his time in prison Richard found it difficult to re-unite with his family and integrate back into home life. Showing great resilience and commitment he succeeded in finding a better life for himself and his family. His first-born child, Amy will be starting school next year and another child is on the way. Richard has put his past behind him and is enjoying life. Hopeful to find work and get his life back on track, Richard reached out to Workforce Talent. Richard now happily works for a national bus company.

Richard’s Story
Contact Us

For More Information

Location:
Workforce Talent CLG
PO Box 13708
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Phone:
00353 87 9722 744
Email Us:
info@wt.ie
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