RiseUP is a three-year employment and employability programme delivered by Nasc. The programme supports migrants who face barriers to accessing the Irish labour market, including limited English proficiency, low or unrecognised qualifications, interrupted employment histories, or social isolation.
What We Do
RiseUP provides tailored, employment-focused support that complements mainstream services. Each participant begins with a one-to-one needs assessment and personalised action plan. Ongoing check-ins ensure progress is monitored and barriers are addressed early.
Our supports include:
- English for Employment Classes
Workplace-focused English language training delivered in small groups to support progression from beginner to intermediate level.
- Vocational and Sector-Specific Training
Access to high-demand certifications such as Safe Pass, Manual Handling, HACCP, Barista training, and other short accredited courses, delivered where there are waiting lists or language barriers in mainstream provision.
- Career Coaching Workshops
Group workshops covering CV preparation, interview skills, LinkedIn and online job search, and understanding recruitment processes in Ireland.
- Wellbeing and Confidence Supports
Workshops designed to build resilience, manage stress, and sustain motivation during job search and transition into employment.
- Employer Engagement and Labour Market Access
Targeted employer engagement events, Community Employment information sessions, welfare-to-work workshops, and signposting to further education and self-employment supports.
How to Get Referred
Referrals are welcome from:
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Family resource centres
- Health and social care providers
- ETBs and education providers
- SICAP and employment services
- Department of Social Protection case officers
- Migrant and refugee support organisations
Self-referrals are also accepted.
Where referrals exceed available capacity, individuals may be placed on a waiting list and prioritised based on level of need, employment readiness, and barriers to labour market access. Priority may be given to those who:
- Have limited English proficiency
- Lack recognised qualifications
- Face long-term unemployment
- Are experiencing social isolation or multiple barriers
RiseUP does not replace mainstream services such as ETB English provision, DSP employment supports, or SICAP services. We work alongside these services and will continue to refer participants to mainstream options where appropriate. In some cases, individuals may be signposted rather than enrolled directly if their needs are better met through existing provision.
To refer someone or to request a referral form, please contact [email protected]
How You Can Help
We welcome collaboration with service providers, employers, and community organisations.
You can support RiseUP by:
- Referring individuals who would benefit from structured employability support
- Sharing information about upcoming training or employment opportunities
- Partnering with us to deliver workshops or information sessions
- Hosting employer engagement or recruitment events
- Offering work placements or interview opportunities
RiseUP works best when services coordinate and share resources. We are committed to complementing, not duplicating, existing provision and to working collaboratively to improve employment outcomes for migrant communities.
Co-funded by
