Úna Carson
Lifelong Learning Officer – School Age Children & Young People, Dublin South City Partnership
Game-changing tailored programmes and summer employment training are helping young people in Dublin build confidence, skills and pathways to education or work.
Dublin South City Partnership (DSCP) is a local development company responsible for delivering the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) across Dublin 6, 8 and 12. A core objective under SICAP’s Lifelong Learning remit is to support young people — particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds — to build their capacity and increase employment and education outcomes.
Bridging the gap: from school to what’s next
One of the most critical transitions in a young person’s life is the move from secondary school into further education, training or employment. While some students have a clear plan, many experience uncertainty during this time. In communities facing intergenerational unemployment and low progression rates to third level, the risk of young people ‘falling through the cracks’ is particularly high.
A tailored, responsive approach
To address these challenges, DSCP actively engages with local DEIS secondary schools throughout the academic year to identify service gaps and barriers to progression. In response to school needs, its programmes include life coaching for Leaving Certificate Applied students; grinds in core subjects; and study skills workshops. All initiatives are designed to address educational disadvantage and increase progression.
Young people know that we are there
for them — not just during a course, but
whenever they need support in the future.
Summer Employment Series: skills for life and work
In Spring 2025, senior cycle students from targeted DEIS schools were invited to register for the Summer Employment Series. This initiative aims to build young people’s confidence and readiness for life after school. DSCP covers all costs for practical, employment-focused training, including barista training; customer service skills; and manual handling.
These courses provide young people with tangible employment opportunities while helping them develop key life skills. Participants will also benefit from broader supports, including access to our SICAP employment team and connections with employers through our dedicated Employer Engagement Officer.
Relationship-centred support
At the centre of DSCP’s work with young people is relationship building. Our programmes are delivered in an informal, person-centred way that fosters trust and growth. Young people know that we are there for them — not just during a course, but whenever they need support in the future.
