Letterkenny Institute of Technology opened its doors to senior cycle students from Rosses Community School, Dungloe as part of The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) Skills @ Work Programme, an initiative that provides a glimpse into the world of work to senior cycle students.
Twenty one students were given a guided tour of the campus by college staff and gained an insight into the many career opportunities that exist in the education sector.
Innovation was also on the agenda with an in depth look at the operation of the CoLab centre within LYIT.
Speaking during the visit John Andy Bonar, Head of Development, LYIT told Donegal Daily, “LYIT are pleased to welcome students from Rosses Community School to our campus today.
“We hope that today provides the students with an insight into various careers and what we do here in LYIT on a day to day basis.
“I know our members of staff are very excited to have the students here after working with them on a number of sessions in the school; this gives them a chance to show the students their working environment and get them thinking about potential careers.
“The site visit is one of a number of sessions in The Skills @ Work Programme.
The programme also provides CV workshops, ‘A Day in the Life’ talks, mock interviews, company overviews, interview skill techniques as well as a session to develop teambuilding skills.
Staff at LYIT are committed to assisting students recognise the value of completing the Leaving Certificate and helping them explore possible career paths.
Moya Curran, Business Teacher, Rosses Community School told Donegal Daily, “The Skills @ Work programme proposed by the Schools Business Partnership helps our students to identify the connection between education and the future opportunities that may be available.
“The site visit in particular gives great career exposure and opens the student’s eyes to what exactly is involved in various jobs or careers on a day to day basis.
“It will allow them to explore what may be of interest to them and give them a target to aim towards in terms of their education.
“The site visit is always one of the highlights for the students involved in the Skills @ Work programme.
“It gives them a true taste of the working world and shows them important skills such as workplace etiquette and expected behaviour in a professional environment, which can be one of the major adjustments for students to make moving from the education to the work environment.
Elaine McFadden, Regional Coordinator – Donegal, BITCI said, “We are delighted that LYIT is involved in the Skills @ Work programme and we look forward to developing the link further between LYIT and Rosses Community School over the coming year.”
The Schools’ Business Partnership is funded by the participating businesses and the Schools Completion Programme (The Department of Children and Youth Affairs).
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