Minister Foley welcomes “earn and learn” Special Care training programme at Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Services Training College

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today welcomed the launch of Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Services Training College, which enables social care staff to earn while they learn the essential skills required to work in Tusla’s Residential and Special Care Centres.

This is a landmark initiative designed to increase the number of workers who can be recruited for Special Care centres. The six-month course will be delivered in Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Training College, based in Tusla headquarters in Dublin.

Trainees participating in the initiative will be employed on a Special Purpose Contract, which means they will be paid while they take part in six months of classroom-based learning, e-learning and supervised work-based practice. There will also be targeted training, peer support, reflective practice, supervision and wellbeing resources.

The first intake will see 10 trainees joining on 2 March 2026, with capacity for 25 trainees going forward and further expansion in line with demand.

The new Training College builds on Tusla’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its social care workforce. It complements the Social Care Work-Based Learning Programme, introduced in 2025, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Social Care.

The new College is expected to be an attractive option for recent social care worker graduates and overseas candidates, as well as existing Tusla staff who wish to develop the practical skills necessary to provide these important services.

Welcoming the initiative, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:

“The development of this new six‑month Special Care training programme at Tusla’s Children’s Residential Training College is an important and welcome initiative. This will help social care workers interested in joining Tusla who need additional experience and training to be eligible to work in Special Care facilities as well as providing opportunities for existing Tusla staff. This is all part of providing the highest standards for children and young people in Special Care.”

Welcoming the launch, Kate Duggan, Chief Executive, Tusla, said:

“The Children’s Residential Training College is a transformational development for Tusla. It provides a structured and supportive pathway for social care workers to build confidence, competence and resilience in some of the most complex and rewarding roles in our services. We are committed to growing and strengthening residential and Special Care service delivery, and this initiative represents a key investment in our workforce through supporting new graduates, overseas candidates and existing staff to develop their careers, while enhancing outcomes for children and young people.”

The College is primarily aimed at qualified social care workers who are not currently employed by Tusla, including recent graduates, those working in other organisations, overseas candidates, and social care professionals who may not yet have the specific experience required for Special Care roles.

The initiative marks key progress in Tusla’s ongoing programme of reform and workforce development. It is part of the continued focus on strengthening residential and Special Care services, ensuring that children and young people with the most complex needs are supported by confident, skilled and well-supported professionals.

ENDS

Notes for Editor

  • Hundreds of applicants have expressed interest in Special Care positions in recent campaigns but may not yet meet the full experience or training requirements necessary. The Training College provides a structured pathway to bridge that gap for this existing pool of talent.
  • There are a number of pathways for applicants to attend the Training College. Tusla is currently running a series of targeted recruitment campaigns, graduate outreach programmes and international hiring. Selection for the course is based on skills match, qualifications and previous experience, aligned to the specific needs of Special Care and residential services.
  • While the initial focus is on strengthening Special Care staffing, the Training College will also support workforce development across mainstream residential services, delivering a sustainable pipeline of skilled social care professionals.
  • Building on other initiatives, Tusla is partnering with University College Cork to design and deliver micro-credentials and other employment-based curricular activities.