FIT (Fastrack to IT) Ltd. provides ICT training and education to marginalized groups in Ireland to help them gain employment. They have trained over 6,500 people since 1999. Their courses are developed based on industry skill needs. Surveys of FIT graduates found that after training, 63.6% became employed, 10.3% pursued further education, and unemployment dropped from 17% to 21.8%. FIT helps break down barriers to education and employment for those distant from the labor market through technical and soft skills training coupled with internship opportunities.

1. An Education in ICT: Including the Excluded DEIRDRE KELLEHER EDULEARN09, Barcelona, Spain 6 July 2009

8. The FIT Model & the Employability Pathway E Job Placement Internships Advanced IT Skills Industry-led projects for the low skilled Company led ICT Skilling and Training for the low skilled Access to Content and Curriculum Access to technology opportunities: software and hardware Assessment of labour market needs

10. FIT Survey 1 Results Outcomes Survey 1 - 1999 to 2005 Employed, 63.6% Self-employed, 2.4% Unemployed, 17.0% Unable to Work, 3.0% Working in the Home, 2.4% Further Ed, 10.3% Retired, 1.3% Employed Unemployed Further Education Self-employed Unable to Work Working in the Home Retired

11. FIT Survey 2 Results Outcomes Survey 2 - 2005 to 2007 Self-employed 2.2% Further Education 19% Unable to Work 7% Employed 41.5% Unemployed 21.8% Working in the Home 8.5% Employed Unemployed Further Education Self-employed Unable to Work Working in the Home

12. FIT Combined Survey Results

13. Profile of Participants Profile of Participants Survey 1 Unsure 15% 6 Months 23.3% 9 Months 3.5% 1 Year 23.3% 2 Years 19.8% 3 Years or More 15.1% Unsure 6 Months 9 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years or More