Portlaoise event to help business owners attract workforce to Laois 

An event aimed at helping businesses attract staff to Laois, organised by Laois Council and Laois Chamber Alliance, will be held in Portlaoise on Friday, April 17. 

The workshop “The Future of Work - Shaping a Future Ready Workforce for a Thriving Laois” is taking place in the Midlands Park Hotel from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

The event, also in partnership with ReSHAPE, Regional Skills, is a practical, business-focused morning designed to help employers attract talent, build skills and stay competitive as AI and new ways of working reshape the labour market.

Aimed at business owners, senior leaders, HR managers and team leads across the county, the event will focus on the real challenges facing employers, including recruitment and retention pressures, rapid digital change, and the need to build more resilient, future-ready teams.

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Attendees will hear from leading futurist Peter Cosgrove of Futurewise, who will explore the practical realities facing employers, including how organisations can use AI as a strategic advantage, what upskilling and reskilling look like in real terms, and how businesses can respond to emerging workplace challenges such as digital overload and burnout.

The programme will also include expert input and interactive elements focused on the tools and supports available to help businesses map skills needs, strengthen talent pipelines and unlock productivity. The event page describes the session as a practical first step in positioning Laois as a skilled workforce hub and helping employers plan for the changes ahead.

Speaking about the event, Jackie Carroll, CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, said: “This is a must-attend morning for any business that wants to stay ahead. Our focus is simple: to give Laois employers practical guidance, real tools and direct access to the supports that can help them build resilient teams, attract talent and grow with confidence. As the world of work continues to evolve, businesses need clear, relevant and actionable support and that is exactly what this event is designed to provide.”

She added: “Laois has ambitious businesses, strong regional partnerships and real potential to lead in how we prepare for the future of work. By bringing employers, skills providers and public sector partners together in one room, we can ensure that businesses across the county are better equipped to respond to change, invest in people and compete strongly into the future. Places are limited, so we are encouraging early booking.

Angela McEvoy, Director of Services of Laois County Council said: “We are delighted to be involved in this upcoming event. The Future of Work, particularly in Laois, is an area that we are keenly focused on as a local authority. Bringing business leaders together to collaborate, identify supports and plan for their future is a great opportunity that we hope as many people as possible avail of”.

The event forms part of a wider collaboration to strengthen skills and employment pathways across the region. ReSHAPE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027.

Booking is now open via Laois Chamber Alliance website here - https://laoischamber.ie/event/the-future-of-work/. This is a free event open to all businesses.