Guidance and Industry Network (GaIN)
The Guidance and Industry Network (GAIN) was established in 2022 by DCU in collaboration with the 30% Club, CWiT and supporting industry partners. As providers of initial training and education in guidance, DCU recognised the challenges faced by practitioners in trying to access the most relevant and up-to-date labour market information. The mission of GaIN is to bridge gaps between guidance and industry to support meaningful, inclusive employment pathways for all.
The network held its inaugural event in January 2023 and since then has developed a wide reach, engaging with industry partners that operate on local, national, and international levels. The initiative is inclusive, welcoming anyone involved in the field of guidance, from information officers and teachers to school management and guidance practitioners from across Ireland. This broad engagement ensures a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges experienced by guidance professionals and industry partners.
The Guidance and Industry Network (GaIN) is delighted to share several exciting developments that highlight our growing impact and continued commitment to strengthening connections between guidance and industry.
Upcoming Event: GaIN 2026
GaIN, in partnership with Accenture, will host its annual event on Friday, November 6, 2026. Supported by the 30% Club Ireland and CWiT Ireland, the event brings together guidance professionals, educators, and industry leaders to examine emerging career pathways and modern labour market trends.
GaIN bridges the gap between education and industry, providing actionable insights into future skill demands across diverse sectors.
Event Highlights
- Industry Networking: Direct engagement with leaders and experts across key growth sectors.
- Labor Market Insights: Panel discussions covering emerging career paths, high-demand skills, and workplace evolution.
- Collaborative Discussion: Dedicated spaces for guidance counsellors and industry to exchange ideas and thoughts for student career preparation.
Registration Details
Places are limited and advance registration is required. Guidance counsellors and educational professionals can request a registration link by joining the GaIN mailing list.
Looking Back: Record-Breaking GaIN Events
Our two full-day GaIN events held in January 2025 were our best attended yet. We extend a sincere thank you to all our industry partners and guidance colleagues for contributing to such engaging and impactful days.
GaIN Dublin 2025 hosted by Accenture
GaIN Limerick 2025 hosted by Northern Trust
Bringing the World of Work to Life: GaIN Launches the VISION Virtual Reality Project
GaIN is delighted to be moving forward with project VISION (Virtual Immersive System for Inspiring Occupational Navigation), transforming how secondary school students explore careers through immersive Virtual Reality (VR).
Building on initial philanthropic funding and DCU's research into democratising career insights, VISION addresses traditional barriers to work experience by bringing authentic workplace environments directly into the classroom - with a continued focus on equitable access for urban, rural, and DEIS schools.
Key Highlights & Early Results
- Classroom to Workplace: Students can explore real-world settings, from tech hubs and hospital wards to construction sites and advanced manufacturing plants.
- Curriculum Integrated: Content links directly with STEM, digital skills, and wellbeing frameworks, developed alongside educators and guidance counsellors.
- Proven Student Impact: In a recent pilot with 42 Transition Year students focusing on the manufacturing sector:
- 100% rated the VR experience as engaging.
- 97% gained a clearer understanding of the manufacturing industry.
- 79% would recommend VR career exploration to their peers.
Industry Partnerships & Educator Support
In collaboration with extended reality specialist Emagine, GaIN is working alongside industry leaders to build authentic, skill-focused simulations. To support the rollout, GaIN is investing heavily in educators. Participating guidance counsellors will receive:
- A fully funded QQI Level 5 Micro Qualification (Immersive Technologies – Train the Trainer: Teaching with VR).
- A Meta Quest 3 headset for their school.
- Ongoing implementation and research support.
Get Involved
Guidance counsellors interested in joining the VISION project or bringing VR career exploration to their students can register their interest by emailing GaIN@dcu.ie.
GaIN Webinar Series
2024 marked the launch of our new GaIN Webinar Series, designed to enhance collaboration between guidance professionals and industry. Our first two webinars have already reached over 600 viewers in Ireland and internationally.
Modern Apprenticeships webinar recording »
Workplaces webinar recording »
National Recognition for GaIN
GaIN has been recognised in the Department of Education and Youth’s Action 3.4 Report as part of the National Strategic Framework for Lifelong Guidance: Strategic Action Plan 2024–2030.
This national acknowledgment highlights GaIN’s growing influence and underscores the importance of connecting guidance with real-world industry experience for learners across the education system.
Social Media
Join our growing community on LinkedIn! Follow GaIN for real-time updates on all our latest news and events.
Stay Connected with GaIN
Do you want to keep up with the latest from the Guidance and Industry Network? Join our community to get the latest news, event invitations, and networking opportunities delivered straight to your inbox.
Fill out our sign-up form or email gain@dcu.ie.