Based out of Westport, Co. Mayo, Inspire Learning provides educational and work experience programs for students and graduates throughout Ireland, UK, USA, Singapore and Europe.

Inspire Learning works directly with employers in Ireland and in the USA to develop internship/graduate program experiences. They have also developed a number of partnerships with several Universities throughout the United States; tailoring programs specific to their student’s learning needs. Inspire Learning teams includes experts in immigration and relocation; assisting and supporting companies and graduates as needed.

Louise Gibbons (CEO of Inspire Learning) was made aware of challenges facing recent graduates, during her time as University of Ulster’s Students Union President.

She recognized just how unprepared students were for the world of work. Louise developed a company that could not only assist students in identifying their strengths, but would help develop and enhance their work skills. This allows students to become assets to future employers and answering every student’s burning question of ‘where in the world do I want to work?’.

With a BSc in Occupational Psychology, a CIPD qualification, and a PgDip in Psychotherapy, Louise puts her skills to use every day. She understands, interprets, and analyzes what her clients hope to get out of their internship experience; connecting them with opportunities.

In addition, Inspire Learning is working to bridge the gap between graduates and employers through a software platform; allowing easier access for them to communicate with each other. Of equal importance, Inspire Learning plans to focus on specific industries struggling to connect with suitably trained graduates. With this knowledge and expertise they endeavor to broaden their catalog of graduate positions to include full time employment opportunities internationally.

When asked how EMPOWER helped her, Louiseresponded:

“This was a fantastic programme for me. I have been in business for the last 18 years; it can be lonely at times when you are the one dealing with problems. Participating in the Empower programme was a fantastic opportunity for me; meeting like-minded female entrepreneurs, sharing our stories and helping each other in any way possible.

I have made fantastic connections with other ladies on the programme, which has allowed my business to develop into new markets.  We work as a cooperative; There are fourteen sets of eyes looking at potential links and networks for your business. We work as a team and this will continue beyond our 11 months on the programme. I am really grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend it for anyone else who is interested.”

 Louise – thank you for your kind words and best of luck to you with Inspire Learning!

This project is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund as part of the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020.