Enterprise Rent-A-Car recently announced the successful completion of the first Deaf Guidance and Employment Initiative, a six-week training programme in partnership with the Irish Deaf Society (IDS), designed to equip participants in the Deaf community with the necessary skills and work experience to help them achieve their personal and professional goals, with employers across Ireland. The graduation ceremony took place on Friday 5th May.
The initiative was created in partnership with the IDS Deaf Project and aims to facilitate more inclusive and supportive working environments in communities across Ireland. Throughout the programme, participants were given insights into different workplace environments and prepared for various stages of the recruitment process. The training programme offered valuable work experience in an engaging and interactive learning environment, helping the participants develop skills and competencies that will enhance their employability.
Fifty Enterprise Rent-A-Car employees, from new hires to senior management, also participated in Deaf Awareness Training facilitated by IDS over the course of the programme. The goal was to educate the company’s workforce about the Deaf community in furtherance of its core values and commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.
Leslee O’Loughlin, Group Human Resources Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, said, “We are especially thrilled to be celebrating the achievements of the seven participants from the IDS who have successfully completed the Deaf Guidance and Employment Initiative. We believe that this programme is an excellent opportunity to support Deaf individuals in their professional development and help them overcome the barriers they may face in finding suitable and rewarding employment. The Deaf Guidance and Employment Initiative is an example of how organisations can make a positive impact in society by providing opportunities for disadvantaged community while engaging in mutual learnings.”
Elaine Grehan, Advocacy Manager at the Irish Deaf Society, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Enterprise to provide this valuable training programme for both the Deaf community and our friends at Enterprise. Our organisation is committed to empowering Deaf individuals and providing them with the resources they need to succeed in all aspects of life. The Deaf Guidance and Employment Initiative aligns with our mission and values, and we are proud to have been a part of it.”
