Ibec’s Employer Relations and Human Resource Management Graduate Programme is unique. The 11 month paid programme offers an experience where no two days are the same. The opportunity for practical learning and to create impact are immense.
What we do
Ibec is Ireland’s largest lobby group and the 3rd biggest in Europe. We advise and represent thousands of companies across multiple sectors and industries, 70% of the private sector are employed by one of our member companies.
We represent Irish business – home grown, multinational, big and small, spanning every sector of the economy. We provide a wide range of professional service to our member companies, including employer relations, employment law, industrial relations and human resources.
Why Ibec & why this programme?
- We proudly speak on behalf of Irish business, campaigning for real change that matter most to business
- We want to build a better and more sustainable future by influencing, supporting and delivering for business success
- Working in Ibec means you are part of an overall effort to deliver on a vision for Ireland to be a balanced, growing and prosperous society.
- We hire people from many backgrounds who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, professional and, most importantly, passionate about business.
This programme is as unique as you are with unrivalled experience in the areas of employer relations, employment law, industrial relations & HR best practice.
How to apply for our programme
Use our 'Sample application form' to familiarise yourself with the application questions.
Complete the 'actual application form' and competency questionnaire and submit to Ibec
Shortlisted candidates candidates will be invited to a half day assessment centre in Ibec Dublin on the 25 & 26 Jan 2023
Candidates will be shortlisted & invited to participate in further online psychometric testing across dates in Nov & Dec 2022
Final interviews will take place in February 2023
Listen / A Graduate Story
Listen below to Jessica O Mullane, (a former Graduate) about her experience on the programme along with some tips on the application and assessment process.
Employer Relations Executive
Senior Employer Relations Executive, Graduate Programme Lead
ER/HR Graduate Programme / Frequently asked questions
We have six Irish offices located in Dublin (Head office), Donegal, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. The ER/HR Graduate Programme is operated out of our head office on Baggot Street in Dublin. We also have an office in Brussels.
The ER/HR Graduate Programme is an 11 month paid graduate programme which runs from September to July each year. Through the programme you will gain experience in the areas of employer relations, human resource management, industrial relations and employment law, not only in theory but also in practice.
The programme is based out of the Employer Relations division in Ibec. The programme operates on a rotational basis meaning you will experience all aspects of the employer relations division including time with our advocacy, knowledge centre and legal services teams.
We operate a hybrid working model in Ibec, however as this is a training programme it is important that you are in the office learning from colleagues and receiving in person development opportunities. Our graduates currently work in the office four days per week and one day remotely, subject to operational requirements.
When you join the programme there is a comprehensive training schedule including the opportunity to complete a certificate in employment law accredited by Technical University of Dublin (TUD). You are provided with a dedicated mentor and you will meet regularly with the Head of the Graduate Programme to assist in your learning and development. As well as rotations within the ER Division in Dublin you will also have an opportunity to work in a member company and to work in one of our regional offices.
The programme is very practical and no two days are the same, whether you are in the office or shadowing Executives at member meetings, in negotiations or attending before the WRC and Labour Court.
The ER Division provides expert ER/HR advice and support to Ibec member companies. We provide services online through our dedicated member website, podcasts and webinars. We also provide 1-1 tailored advice and represent member companies at the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Our areas of expertise include employment law, industrial relations, HR best practice and occupational health & safety.
The programme opens for applications on 1 September 2023 and closes on 3 November 2023. Application is online only.
Past Graduates / Testimonials
The programme is unique in terms of training & exposure. The grounding I received was invaluable when I became an ER Executive. The team in Ibec are supportive & the comradery is fantastic!
The Ibec IR/HR Graduate Programme provided me with an unique training in employment law & industrial relations practice & was my springboard to working as an employment law specialist.
An experience that can’t be matched. You are given a level of responsibility & accountability that is not readily offered elsewhere & you feel your work is valued.
No other graduate programme affords as much practical experience. No two days are the same. The experience has proven invaluable for me in terms of my self-confidence & employability.
The programme provided me with the opportunity to understand the practicalities of employment law & IR across multiple sectors. The blended learning & experience makes it unparalleled in this field.
Get in touch
Our team are here to help, please contact us email: heather.dempsey@ibec.ie