Employment Opportunities for Irish Speakers in the Public Sector
The Irish speaking community is going from strength to strength since the language was granted full working status as an official language in the Institutions of the European Union in December 2021. Under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, 20% of new recruits to the public service must be competent in Irish by the end of 2030. State bodies across the country are focused on developing and providing expert quality services to the public through Irish, resulting in more public sector jobs for Irish-language speakers than ever before.
Gaelchultúr is honoured to be chosen by the state body Foras na Gaeilge, as the designated provider of Irish language training for the public sector. Since 2011, Gaelchultúr has provided training services to over 110 public sector organisations and is a market leader in Irish language training.
Whether you’re already employed by the civil service and looking to progress within your role or hoping to apply for a job with a state organisation in the future, possessing a strong command of the Irish language will strengthen your application.
Enhance your language skills with these bespoke courses, designed specifically to support civil servants in providing quality Irish language services to the public through Irish:
Certificate in Professional Irish
The Certificate in Professional Irish (TGG) is a part-time programme aimed at public sector employees who deal with the public on a regular basis and who are required at times to provide a service through Irish. Over 2,000 civil servants have undertaken this certificate since the course was established in 2011.
If you want to significantly improve your Irish within a few months and earn a recognised qualification this course will be of great benefit to you.
Phone Skills and Customer Service
Are you a receptionist or a member of a customer care team? If so, this course will be a great help to you in your role. The Irish-speaking community has more rights than ever before and it’s crucial that public sector organisations have the resources to provide the public with quality customer service through Irish.
This half-day course is provided by Gaelchultúr in conjunction with Foras na Gaeilge and is suitable for those with a basic command of the language. The course is delivered frequently throughout the year and books out early. Take control of your career and register for this specialised course today.
If you’re a spokesperson or hoping to work in a communications role for a State department, this course will differentiate you from your peers. This intensive half-day course, launched in 2022, is aimed at politicians, senior managers, communications officers, and spokespersons working within the public sector who are required to carry out Irish language public-speaking duties from time to time.
The course aims to build language skills and confidence in participants so that they will be comfortable using Irish when greeting a crowd and delivering a speech.
Postgraduate Diploma in Translation
With the Irish language now an official working language of the European Union, there are plenty of Irish translation jobs available for those who possess the necessary skills. This prestigious Postgraduate programme offers participants the opportunity to acquire advanced language skills and practical knowledge of the sector. This course attracts a lot of interest every year and we will soon be accepting applications for the upcoming intake. Keep an eye on the website if you’re interested in this course.
This is an exciting, pivotal time for the Irish language as it continues to gain increased recognition on an national and international basis. Improve your Irish and take advantage of future Irish language job opportunities within the public sector.
