Together Academy opens new vocational training college for young adults with Down syndrome at SMBC Aviation Capital HQ

Situated in Dublin 2 at the landmark building, Fitzwilliam 28, this purpose-built training café and vocational facility will enable Together Academy to further broaden its supports to enable young adults with Down syndrome access to meaningful opportunities to participate in the workforce.

Together Academy @ SMBC Aviation Capital Initiative
In partnership with SMBC Aviation Capital, Together Academy has developed a purpose-built exemplar training college. This space will facilitate a 2-year culinary training programme, a vocational training programme and a training café, supported by the Government through a multi-annual grant from Pobal.

The ground floor café is open to SMBC Aviation Capital employees, other tenants of Fitzwilliam 28, clients and invited guests to support the skills development and employment of the Together Academy students and graduates - all young people with Down syndrome.

This Together Academy training café and training kitchen is where the students will put their theory into practice and develop vital skills to prepare them for employment. They will rotate between different roles in the training café such as front of house, barista, waiting staff and also practice culinary skills in the lower ground floor training kitchen.

In addition, ARTIZAN, SMBC Aviation Capital’s food and catering partner, will offer training and learning opportunities for Together Academy students in their restaurant and catering services throughout the building. Tailored supports for each student and early engagement with our pathways to employment team, will ensure practical training is completed in an inclusive and supportive work environment, always with the aim of planning for future work placements.

Therese Coveney, Founder, Together Academy said: “This is a hugely exciting moment for Together Academy. We are delighted to be adding a range of new supports and training programmes for young adults with Down syndrome, with support of a leading global company like SMBC Aviation Capital and the Government through grant support from Pobal. Building on our training programme in Wanderers Rugby Club and our Happy Out Café partnership in Dun Laoghaire, here at SMBC Aviation Capital we are creating vital new training supports and entry points for young adults with Down syndrome, many of whom would otherwise never have had the opportunity to grow, learn and participate in the workplace. This partnership in a landmark building in corporate Dublin, represents a brave path forward for inclusion in the workplace in Ireland, and we are hugely grateful for the leadership of SMBC Aviation Capital and the support of Pobal.”  

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer,  SMBC Aviation Capital said: “We are delighted to reach this landmark day where we officially launch our partnership with Together Academy. Respect, Trust and Integrity are part of our culture and help define who we are as a business. I can think of no better example of putting this into practice than our work with Together Academy. From the outset, it has been a pleasure to see our team at SMBC Aviation Capital work with the young adults and the team at Together Academy. With the support of our shareholders, we are privileged to be able to support this first of a kind initiative and we are proud to support Together Academy in their mission to change the landscape in Ireland for young adults with Down syndrome. Together, we are changing the way corporate Ireland sees inclusion and embraces people who learn differently to ensure that everyone gets a chance to achieve their potential.”

About Together Academy:

Together Academy is a unique training and employment initiative aimed at providing young adults with Down syndrome specialised and individually tailored training. Providing young adults with both certified and vocational training, practical work experience, employment opportunities and a critical social and support network. 90% of people with Down syndrome in Ireland are unemployed, and Together Academy are working to change this statistic by supporting young adults with their learning and employment skill development. The Together Academy envisage an Ireland where young adults with Down Syndrome are accepted, respected and included in Ireland's workforce.

About SMBC Aviation Capital:

SMBC Aviation Capital is a leading aircraft lessor globally by number of aircraft and benefits from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit: www.smbc.aero 
 

Media Contacts: 
Together Academy
Laura O’Neill – +353 86 810 6514

SMBC Aviation Capital 
Conor Irwin: +353 87 381 6106