Soaring demand for people with caring and school support skills
Lisa O’Connell, founder of Forus Training, in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, says the high demand in the caring sectors is inspiring many people to retrain in order to take on fulfilling caring roles.
Access to fully funded training is helping a growing number of people to retrain to take up roles such as special needs assistant (SNA) as well as in childcare, health, and homecare roles.
Lisa O’Connell, founder of Forus Training, based in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, says more women are returning to the workforce, and high demand in the caring sectors means a ready supply of flexible jobs.
“In the past five years, SNA numbers have increased hugely, and companies like ours are expanding the number of courses available, to meet demand to train for this fulfilling role,” says Lisa O’Connell.
“Students regularly complete our Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) course too, to help them manage behaviour in the classroom, particularly where children are on the autism spectrum.”
Budget 2025 provided funding for an extra 1,600 special needs assistants to support children in schools, so now the rush is on to find suitably qualified people, O’Connell says.
Those interested in applying for these roles are turning to educators like Forus Training, where students can complete courses online at their own pace, with support from a dedicated trainer, or opt for in-person classroom learning.
The training centre has part-time, career-based courses spanning health and social care, childcare, business management, personal and professional development, and industry-specific skills.
Those with a Leaving Certificate can do a Level 6 SNA course, while a Level 5 SNA qualification suits those without an Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent. SNA salaries range from approximately €27,000 for entry-level positions to over €44,000 for experienced professionals.
The demand for qualified home care assistants in Ireland continues to grow, with hourly earnings averaging around €16.00. Early Childhood Care and Education programmes are also very popular, with courses for different levels, from childcare assistants to managers.
Many who started new courses in January this year are nearing completion of their study, and have work already lined up. In this Q&A interview, Lisa O’Connell explains the soaring demand for people with these educational and caring skills.
"Absolutely! These roles have a profound impact on people’s lives, but many people aren’t aware of the accessible training paths available. In Ireland, the role of the special needs assistant (SNA) has undergone a significant evolution over the years. Initially focused on providing personal care, SNAs are now integral to inclusive educational practices, ensuring that students with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) can fully participate in school life. This shift underscores the importance of flexible training options — whether online, part-time, or in-person — that cater to individuals who want to make a difference while balancing other commitments. There are real gaps to fill in sectors like childcare, health, and homecare, and by raising awareness of training pathways, we can ensure that more people can step into these rewarding roles. These opportunities are not just for those seeking a career change, but also for individuals seeking a meaningful way to contribute to their community."
"Yes, progress has been positive, but demand continues to outpace supply. In Ireland, the SNA role has evolved significantly, especially since the introduction of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act in 2004, which set a clear direction toward inclusive education. While the expansion of SNA support has been beneficial, the government’s efforts to regulate and conceptualize how this support should be delivered often fell far short of where it needed to be. Recent recommendations, including the proposed re-designation of SNAs as Inclusion Support Assistants (ISAs), are encouraging steps in the right direction. However, we must continue to focus on providing the necessary training to meet the growing needs of students. The evolution of this role highlights the importance of making training programs as accessible and comprehensive as possible, ensuring that those entering the field are equipped with the skills required to support a diverse student population effectively. The need for well-trained SNAs remains urgent, and ongoing investment in training and awareness is vital to keeping pace with this demand."
"Definitely. The trend towards prioritising work-life balance and wellness is reshaping career paths for a lot of people. More people are recognising that retraining offers an opportunity to pivot into roles that provide not only flexibility, but also a sense of purpose. In schools, the evolution of the SNA role demonstrates how careers in support services can be both flexible and rewarding. When a person wants to transition into education, healthcare, or social care, retraining is becoming increasingly more accessible, particularly as flexible options in training become available. With modern, inclusive practices in education, there's a rising demand for professionals who can work with students with diverse needs: from those with physical disabilities, to those with behavioural challenges. The increase in these roles reflects a broader shift toward meaningful and flexible work that aligns with personal values. As the demand for career transition grows, so too will the availability and popularity of retraining programs which help people line up their careers with their values while maintaining a balanced lifestyle."
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