Laois students discovering the World of Work

Young students at Portlaoise College have been given a taste of the World of Work, through a programme organised with the cooperation of local businesses.

The Schools’ Business Partnership has congratulated Laois County Council and Portlaoise College for completing “The World of Work” Programme 2022/2023.

It was given to students who are targeted and supported by the School Completion Programme, as a part of the strategy to engage students in school for them to maximize their potential in life. It provided the students with a real insight into jobs, careers and how a business operates.

Ireland is a leading country in Europe in its engagement with the world of work with students. It is considered fundamental to maximize individual talents and engage in society as young adults.

Pictured at Portlaoise College for the World of Work presentation were:Teacher Nicky Walsh, Rose Doolin (Community Section Laois Co Council), Jo Sayers (Business in the Community), Student - Nina Masiewicz, Anne Marie Kirrane (A/Administrative Officer, Community section) and Dan Bergin (Laois PPN). Photo: Michael Scully

In Laois, the World of Work programme is co-designed by Laois County Council and Portlaoise College, tapping into the students’ needs for skill development, based on resources in local businesses.

The students were brought on a site visit to Laois County Council and Portlaoise Fire Station, seeing as part of their visits, the various career opportunities that exist within the organisation.

At an enjoyable concluding session held at the school on April 20, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme to Laois County Council Staff.

The programme is a collaboration between Business in the Community Ireland and Laois County Council.
Its aim is to provide second year students with an insight into the business that their school is partnered with, as well as supporting educational progression and inclusion, with the hope of inspiring and encouraging young minds to look towards the future.

Both Portlaoise College and Laois County Council have been committed supporters of the Schools’ Business Partnership Programme.

The engagement of their staff not only benefits the students, but has far reaching impacts on the local community.

Darren Maher is Coordinator of the programme for Portlaoise College.

“The partnership with Laois County Council has been invaluable to the school.

“The impact that this initiative has had on the students is visible right from day one, it generates an interest and motivation for the students to succeed and to continue to work hard on their studies,” he said.

Anne Marie Kirrane is in Community Development at Laois County Council.

“Laois County Council are delighted to be in partnership with Portlaoise College. Our employees are committed to this socially inclusive programme and they enjoy meeting the students and sharing their career experiences with them.

“It is also an opportunity for the employees of Laois County Council to gain an insight into student life and our educational system.” she said.

Funded by the Department of Education & Skills, The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) has to date matched 236 Partnerships.

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More than 6,000 senior cycle students have taken part in the programme to date, gaining insights into the world of work and the opportunity to consider the many and varied career and study options open to them when they finish school.

Keen to continue this successful relationship, Laois County Council and Portlaoise College both intend to take on the programme again in 2023/2024 academic year.