Finding - and Keeping - Great People: How STEP Can Help
Across Ireland, employers are finding it harder than ever to recruit and retain skilled staff. The STEP programme offers a smart, practical solution. Co-funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, STEP connects Irish employers with talented professionals from around the world who are ready to relocate and build their futures here.
What makes STEP different is how easy it is for employers to use. The programme gives access to a large pool of pre-screened candidates across more than 170 job types, with full support through every step - from matching and visa applications to relocation and onboarding. It’s designed to be efficient, cost-effective and focused on helping businesses fill critical roles quickly and confidently.
The results speak for themselves: over 300 skilled candidates placed across Europe, 97% employer satisfaction, and 100% retention among hires in Ireland. In a market where turnover is high, that’s a real success story.
For employers facing ongoing staffing challenges, STEP isn’t just another recruitment channel -it’s a reliable way to find great people and keep them.
To learn more, contact Iryna Bondar at ibondar@theopencommunity.ie.
About the STEP Programme
The Skilled Talent for Employment Pathways (STEP) programme was launched in 2023 to help Irish employers address critical skills shortages through international recruitment. Co-funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), STEP connects employers in Ireland with skilled displaced professionals around the world who are seeking secure, long-term employment opportunities. The programme is implemented in Ireland by The Open Community, in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen, and the Irish Refugee Protection Programme at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. STEP offers a fully supported, employer-led process—from talent sourcing and employment permits to relocation and post-arrival integration—ensuring a streamlined and sustainable pathway for both employers and candidates.
About The Open Community
The Open Community is an independent Irish non-profit organisation working to strengthen and expand community-based approaches to refugee protection and integration. Building on Ireland’s proud tradition of welcome, the organisation supports local communities, employers, and partners to create practical and sustainable pathways for people seeking safety. Through programmes such as STEP and Ireland’s Community Sponsorship initiatives, The Open Community helps to build stronger, more connected communities while enabling newcomers to rebuild their lives and contribute their skills and experience in Ireland.
