Google.org backs upskilling initiatives in Dublin Docklands
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has announced a donation of €750,000 in funding for St Andrews Resource Centre in Dublin’s Docklands.
This project will deliver comprehensive wrap-around training and support to more than 1,000 unemployed individuals and early school leavers in Dublin Docklands communities, aiming for at least 50% of beneficiaries to access further education or employment opportunities.
The funding will help future-proof Dublin’s Docklands communities through hyperlocal training initiatives that will strengthen essential skills and provide support to help people access jobs, education, and long-term employment opportunities.
“In today’s world, fluency in digital tools and AI is no longer optional, it’s essential. The success of our programmes in recent years is why we remain committed to ensuring people from all backgrounds have access to the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving society and work environment,” Vanessa Hartley, head of Google Ireland, said.
Google.org provided the funding to St Andrews Resource Centre, who will use the funds to support the work of This City Works, a platform between Dublin city-based community employment services, helping job seekers in Dublin find the right job for them.
“Support like this is the lifeblood of community development. It means we can immediately scale up our operations to meet the rising demand for vocational and AI and digital skills training in the Docklands community,” Jim Hargis, St Andrews Resource Centre and member of This City Works, said.
The training will be delivered through several vital programmes. These include a certified Train-the-Trainer programme for unemployed adults, an expanded community-based digital support for early school leavers and long-term unemployed, and a Level 5 Homecare Assistant course for 20 learners aimed at bridging local employment gaps and preparing students for AI-linked apprenticeships.
The grant will also fund wraparound support across multiple partner organisations such as LIR, Lets Go, FAACT, Fair Play Digital Hub, and others to ensure learners can access coaching, mentoring, and practical assistance.
The initiative will support 100 learners through career development programmes, upskill students in 10 local schools, and enable 15 learners with additional support needs to complete a modular employment programme.
The goal of This City Works is to empower vulnerable and at-risk school leavers and unemployed people in the local community of Ringsend and Pearse Street by providing training and skill enhancement opportunities, complemented by support services, with the aim of increasing their employability and promoting social inclusion.
Patryk Goron
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