We are delighted to report that the Fair Jobs Fair, an initiative co-hosted by EDIFY EDU, the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) Chamber, and IADT faculty was a resounding success! With nine local businesses and enterprises in attendance, seven of whom were exhibiting, the event connected students with organisations demonstrating strong commitments to Equality Diversity and Inclusion. Those in attendance included the Royal Marine Hotel, Cycling Without Age, Blackrock Education Centre, Southside Partnership, URhired, Green Bikes, and Filmsmart Productions. The fair facilitated professional networking for the students, showcasing real-world applications of EDI principles in varied industry settings. It was fantastic to see students from all courses and year progressions show up to engage with community initiatives while also connecting with potential future employers.
The evening culminated in a panel discussion featuring Owen Murray, Dr. Claire McGing, Eamonn Crowe, and Clara Clark, who gathered along with an audience of IADT faculty, students and community members to address the practical realities of EDI implementation and general attitudes around Equality Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Claire McGing noted improvements in the HE sectors – with recommendations for EDI education coming from government level, along with commitments IADT has made to uphold EDI values. The accreditation and retention of the Athena Swan Bronze Institution Award and the goal to implement a common EDI module for all incoming First Years marks an encouraging step forward.
Eamonn Crowe reflected on the challenges faced by small business owners when attempting to implement EDI – ‘your role is to ensure the success of the business – EDI only ever has a chance to come after that’ while Clara Clark’s was able to share her perspective with a commitment to inclusion through a Non-Profit lens – ‘I don’t see barriers, I see opportunities that could be useful to the community’. Attendees were invited to share and pose questions to the panel, culminating in an open dialogue that encompassed the integration of Equality Diversity and Inclusion in society more broadly. Stefano Sale of GreenBikes.ie spoke passionately about how EDI can be better communicated and understood – it was made clear that all walks of the community shared in the goals of the EDIFY project, with all in attendance leaving feeling inspired.
The Fair Jobs Fair allowed the EDIFY EU project to represent the impact of the project aims directly to students and employers, fostering collaboration through varied sectors. We wish to extend huge thanks to all exhibiting enterprises, to IADT for hosting and a special thanks to all those who contributed to our panel discussion – the enthusiasm and energy felt in the room will be felt throughout the course of the project and beyond!
Blog post written by Billie McInerney (IADT Specialisation Course Student)
