How to Describe Community Employment (CE) on Your CV (Ireland)

Many jobseekers worry that time spent on the Community Employment (CE) Scheme won’t be valued by employers. The truth is, CE placements show recent work experience, training, and reliability — all qualities Irish employers want to see. The key is knowing how to phrase it on your CV.

This guide gives you:

• Exact examples of how to list CE roles
• Bullet points you can copy and paste
• Tips on where to place CE on your CV
• FAQs based on what Irish recruiters actually look for

Why Employers Value CE Experience

Even if CE isn’t “permanent” work, it demonstrates:

• Work readiness — showing up, completing shifts, working with a team
• Practical skills — admin, customer service, care, or maintenance
• Training — often QQI-certified courses alongside the placement
• Community involvement — employers see this as a positive

How to List CE in Your Work Experience Section

Copy-paste template:

Community Employment Participant — Local Community Centre, Dublin  
Jan 2023 – Dec 2024  

• Provided reception support and assisted with admin tasks including filing, scheduling, and customer queries  
• Gained hands-on experience in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)  
• Completed QQI Level 5 modules in Office Skills and Customer Service  

👉 Place CE roles under Work Experience, not “Volunteering.” It shows as structured, employer-recognised work.

CE Bullet Point Examples (By Role)

Here are 12 bullet points you can copy and adapt:

Admin / Reception

• Answered 20+ phone calls daily and logged queries in Excel
• Managed filing systems and appointment schedules
• Welcomed visitors and handled reception duties

Retail / Shop Support

• Assisted customers with purchases and queries in community shop
• Operated till and managed cash handling accurately
• Carried out stock rotation and shelf organisation

Care / Support Roles

• Supported older residents with daily activities in a day-care centre
• Helped coordinate activities such as group exercises and outings
• Practised patient dignity and confidentiality at all times

Maintenance / Facilities

• Maintained grounds including grass cutting and safety checks
• Assisted with painting, cleaning, and small repair projects
• Monitored equipment use and reported issues promptly

Three Ways to Format CE on Your CV

Depending on the role you’re applying for, CE can be framed in different ways:

Three Ways to Format CE on Your CV

Depending on the role you’re applying for, CE can be framed in different ways:

1. As a standard job role

Community Employment Participant — Tidy Towns Scheme, Kildare  
2022–2023  

2. As a hybrid "Training + Work" placement

Community Employment Programme — Care Assistant Trainee  
2022–2023 | Completed QQI Level 5 Care Skills  

3. In its own section

Community Employment / Work Placement Experience  
Community Centre Volunteer Support — 2023  

Next Steps

Your CV is your best tool to move from CE into long-term work. Use the examples above and tailor them to your next role.

👉 Want more? Browse our blog for Irish CV examples, cover letters, and job search tips.