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OWL programme

The Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL) training programme

The OWL training programme is an applied learning, development and socialisation programme for young adults with an intellectual disability. OWL trainees get a real and applied learning experience in a work setting.

Each year the Houses of the Oireachtas Service, along with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, provides workplace settings for the ten OWL trainees.

The OWL graduate programme

OWL graduates have developed skills that allow them to be work-ready. The OWL graduate programme aims to find meaningful and viable employment for our graduates in the wider civil and public service. We offer help and support to other Civil Service and public sector offices that wish to provide part-time permanent employment opportunities for OWL graduates.

The Houses of the Oireachtas Service facilitates the OWL programme in collaboration with KARE, WALK, City of Dublin Education and Training Board and it is supported by the Public Appointments Service and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

OWL graduation 2023

NEWS

OWL graduation 2023

In July 2023, ten more participants graduated from the pioneering OWL programme in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Since the first iteration of the OWL programme in 2018, 60% of its graduates have been employed across seven Departments and offices, with many others in private sector roles and in further education.

The award-winning OWL programme

The OWL programme was recognised at the National Diversity & Inclusion Awards held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre in February 2024, receiving the "Advancing Disability Equality Award" given to an organisation that leads the way in advancing disability equality in the workplace.

The programme was also recognised at the 8th annual Civil Service Excellence and Innovation Awards, where the Houses of the Oireachtas Service received the Workplace and Organisation of the Future award.

Toolkit for public sector organisations

Do you work in a Government Department or other public sector organisation? Would you like to know how your workplace can take part in the OWL programme? Find out more with these useful guides.

Guide for people who would like to become OWL trainees

When does the next OWL training programme begin?
Who can apply?
How do I apply to become an OWL trainee?
How are people selected for the OWL training programme?
How long is the OWL training programme and what are the hours?
Will I get paid while I am an OWL trainee?
Will being an OWL trainee affect my social welfare payments?
What type of work might I be doing?
Who will support me when I am a trainee on the OWL training programme?
What is expected of OWL trainees during their placements?
Will I get a job after I graduate from the OWL training programme?
If I am not eligible for the OWL training programme, are there other options for me?

Guide for potential employers of OWL graduates

What is the Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL) training and graduate programme?
How does my organisation get involved in the OWL graduate programme?
What are the benefits to becoming an employer of an OWL graduate?
How long would I have to stay involved in the graduate programme?
What is supported employment?
What is reasonable accommodation?
Who will support my department/team throughout the programme?

Contact details

To discuss how your workplace can take part

OWL team

owl@oireachtas.ie

To apply to participate in the OWL programme

Dublin area Vicki Hogan vicki@walk.ie

Kildare area Peter Furlong peter.furlong@kare.ie

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