A NEW social enterprise aimed at training young people for jobs in the Irish language sector was officially launched last week by Education Minister John O’Dowd.

GaelChursaí, the only training and employment provider of its kind, was unveiled at An Chultúrlann on Tuesday and will help fill the ever-growing number of vacancies for teachers, administrators, childcare workers, information technology technicians and business support staff with fluency in the Irish language.

Speaking at the launch, Colma McKee, Director of GaelChursaí said: “Despite the current difficult economic conditions, the Irish language sector is continuing to grow and we are seeing a very high success rate in finding employment for our trainees.

“Indeed, because of the sector’s rapid growth, employers are finding it difficult filling Irish-speaking jobs. It is our role to provide a skilled and motivated labour force to meet demand and maintain the sector’s development.”

GaelChursaí is currently training up to 100 young people, many of whom attended the North’s only Irish medium secondary school, Coláiste Feirste, to place them with local employers requiring Irish speakers.

Attending the launch at An Chultúrlann, Sinn Féin Education Minister John O’Dowd stressed the importance of GaelChursaí’s role in preparing young Irish speakers for employment.

“We have seen the rapid growth of the Irish medium education sector in the North in recent years,” he said.

“It is therefore vitally important that our Irish speakers are well prepared for employment, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills required to venture out into the world of work.

“I believe that GaelChúrsaí can make an important contribution in making this happen and I wish them every success in the future”

For further information, contact GaelChursaí on 02890438771 or email gaelchursai@gmail.com