EPIC Programme
EPIC Programme: Online Employment and Integration Training for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants
Are you an unemployed asylum seeker, refugee or a vulnerable migrant living in Ireland? Are you looking for a job and you don’t know where to start your job search? We can help you develop your employment skills through the EPIC Programme.
Who funds the EPIC Programme?
The programme is supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and The Community Foundation for Ireland and funded under the Integration and Employment of Migrants activity as part of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) 2021-2027.
Register your interest for the Online EPIC Programme
Read the EPIC Programme Eligibility Criteria before completing the application form. Please fill in the form below, and a member of our team will contact you within 5 working days.
Important information: We are receiving a high volume of applications for the EPIC Programme at the moment. If you have completed your application form we will contact you. The application form for the EPIC Programme is currently closed and we will open it again in August.
If you have any questions about the EPIC Programme or the application form, email epic@bitc.ie
What is the EPIC Programme?
The EPIC programme is a FREE 6- week online training and education programme taught in English that helps you develop your skills, look for work and integrate into Irish society.
By taking part in the programme, you receive help with (Important note: These services are linked together – it is not possible to choose just one):
- Improving your job-seeking skills
- Learning business vocabulary
- Preparing your CV and cover letter
- Identifying and describing your skills
- Practising for job interviews (face to face, phone and online)
- Cultural integration (indirect/direct communication, body language and more)
- Learning about Ireland and how to access different services (health, education, employment rights and more)
- Developing your IT and LinkedIn skills
- One-to-one support of a Career Counsellor
If you decide to take part, be assured that we put you at the centre of our work. We will assess your needs and provide a programme for you. We work with businesses to provide specialised supports.
Hear from a former EPIC participant on his experience with our employment programme.
Our impact
EPIC has helped over 4,000 people from 101 nationalities. 72% of our clients have found jobs or entered training or are volunteering. Why not apply and continue your journey in Irish society?
You must meet three conditions to qualify:
- Have a good level of English – You should have intermediate (B1/B2) to high level of both written and spoken English and you need to be able to communicate in English without requiring translation support. We will assess your English language level before you join the programme.
- Eligible visa status – You must be an unemployed adult who is one of the following:
- Asylum seekers with work permits,
- Refugees, people with Subsidiary Protection or Leave to Remain and with Stamp 4,
- People with Temporary Protection Certificates (Ukrainian refugee)
- We have limited spaces for vulnerable migrants with Stamp 4, dependant Stamp 1G or EU/Irish citizenship (conditions apply)
- Based in the Republic of Ireland
Our programme covers many areas to help you improve your skills and find work in Ireland. You can learn more in our EPIC Programme leaflet
Searching for work
- Advice on how to look for a job
- CV and cover letter writing techniques
- Interview preparation includes tips and advice from employers
- How to handle difficult interview questions
- Mock interviews
- Telephone skills for job interviews
Business support
- IT training on Microsoft Office Word and Excel
- LinkedIn skills training
- Workshops with HR representatives and companies
- Practice interviews
- Networking
- Company visits
Integration sessions
The aims of the information sessions are to help you network, understand the Irish system and integrate into Irish society. Topics covered include:
- Cultural Integration
- Indirect/Indirect communication
- How to access to healthcare
- How to access education
- Your employment rights
One-to-one support with career counsellors
Our career counsellors provide one-to-one support sessions on the steps to take when seeking new employment or education. Their expertise and wide experience in career advice and job placement will help you on your journey. They may support you with:
- CV and interview preparation
- Psychometric testing (Aptitude test)
- Interview coaching
- Exploring your further education or employment options
These are the steps you need to follow to join the EPIC Programme:
- Check the information about the EPIC Programme and make sure that you qualify to take part. Fill out the Online Training EPIC Programme Application Form
- When we receive the application form, we will review it and we will assess if you qualify for the EPIC Programme:
- If you do not qualify for the programme, you will receive an email to the email address you provided in the form with the reason why you do not qualify
- If you qualify for the programme, you will receive a phone call to discuss the EPIC Programme and you will be offered a date for English assessment
Our EPIC Programme is open for applications all year. Apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Each course is six weeks long and takes place in the mornings (10am to 1 pm) or in the afternoons (2 to 5pm).
| Group | Start Date | End Date | Schedule | Closing Date for Applications | |
| 10 (online) | 06-Aug-24 | 13-Sep-24 | Afternoon | 30-Jul-24 | |
| 11 (online) | 27-Aug-24 | 04-Oct-24 | Morning | 20-Aug-24 | |
| 12 (online) | 17-Sep-24 | 25-Oct-24 | Afternoon | 10-Sep-24 | |
| 13 (online) | 08-Oct-24 | 22-Nov-24 | Morning | 01-Oct-24 | |
| 14 (online) | 05-Nov-24 | 13-Dec-24 | Afternoon | 29-Oct-24 |
For further information please contact:
