2007 Press Releases
Skills @ Work Programme for second-level students at UCC
Students from Deerpark CBS are about to embark on an initative with
employees of University College Cork (UCC). The Skills @ Work
Programme, facilitated by Schools' Business Partnership (SBP), was
developed by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) in 2001.
SBP aims to match over 157 post primary schools in Ireland that are part of the Department of Education & Science (DOES) School Completion Programme with a local business. Currently, 110 schools are matched and in the current academic year, over 2,500 students have benefited from the programme.
The programme is funded by participating businesses with matching funds provided by the DOES under the National Development Plan (NDP), with assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF). The SBP operates in association with Marks & Spencer (Ireland) and is supported by Cadbury Ireland. The Schools' Business Partnership (SBP) model involving Government, business, education and the not-for-profit sector has received acclaim globally at the OECD conferences in Paris (2004), Seoul (2005) and at European level Brussels (2006).
UCC staff will provide talks on 'A Day in the Life of ...'; a company overview; CV workshops and interview skills to assist the students in their quest for career paths. The students will visit the UCC campus and witness the many career opportunities that exist with one of the largest employers in Cork. "This initiative is a proven winner and it will be a most effective partnership link for the school. It will have a significant motivational impact on the students", said Deerpark Principal, Mike O'Floinn.
UCC's Equality and Welfare Officer, Catherine Maguire said: "UCC is delighted to be partnering with Deerpark to support this initiative. We are enthused by the commitment shown by our employees. The programme at UCC will nurture team-building, interpersonal and communication skills."
459MMcS
« Back to 2007 Press Releases