Urgent need for local carers highlighted
As Ireland’s population ages, the demand for qualified and compassionate carers is set to soar and communities like Cavan and Monaghan are no exception.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of people aged 65 and over in Ireland is projected to exceed one million by 2030. This demographic shift — driven by increased life expectancy and declining birth rates — is already straining our healthcare systems and care services. With a rising number of people living with disabilities and long-term conditions, the need for skilled carers is more urgent than ever.
This is not just a national issue — it’s a local one. Family-run care facilities like Esker Lodge Nursing Home in Cavan are seeing firsthand the growing need for dependable, well-trained professionals to support older people in our communities.
To help meet this challenge, Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB), in collaboration with Esker Lodge Nursing Home, is launching an important initiative: the ‘Find Your Calling to Caring’ Healthcare Information Event, taking place on Wednesday, June 25, at 10am at Esker Lodge Nursing Home.
This event offers attendees a chance to explore a fully funded QQI Level 5 Healthcare Service Skills Traineeship, a comprehensive nine-month programme designed to prepare the next generation of care workers. It combines 26 weeks of classroom-based learning at Cavan Institute and 12 weeks of hands-on experience in a residential care home of the participant’s choice.
“This traineeship is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union, so there are no course fees,” explains Michelle Tilson, Recruitment Officer for CMETB. “Trainees also benefit from financial supports such as Training, Meal, and Travel allowances, and can access the National Childcare Scheme. It’s open to jobseekers, those already employed who want to upskill, and even school leavers with no prior work experience.”
Vicky McDwyer, Managing Director, Esker Lodge commented: “At Esker Lodge, being a family-run nursing home means that community is the heart of what we do. We’re passionate about nurturing local talent and supporting individuals who connect with our values and are dedicated to the holistic well-being of each resident. We are delighted to support the CMETB event for the third year in a row. The collaboration with CMETB for the Healthcare Traineeship open day in Esker Lodge underlines our commitment to supporting development of compassionate care skills, for our community.”
The healthcare sector offers a meaningful, stable career path — and with Ireland’s ageing population, the demand will only continue to rise. Now is the time to step forward and be part of a profession that truly makes a difference.
To learn more, attend the information event at Esker Lodge on June 25, at 10am, or get in touch with Michelle Tilson at 049-4353924 or 087-6793462, or via email at training@cmetb.ie