School thanks Laois businesses for 'generosity and encouragement' of TY students

Portlaoise College expressed thanks to local businesses for the encouragement and generosity they have shown Transition Year students. 

Portlaoise College continues to deepen its engagement with the local community through a variety of initiatives, providing students with invaluable experiences while fostering strong relationships with local businesses and organisations.

Transition Year students at Portlaoise College have been actively participating in work experience placements across a range of local businesses in Portlaoise and the surrounding areas, gaining a wealth of new skills and first-hand industry knowledge. This initiative enables students to explore different career paths, develop professional relationships, and acquire essential workplace skills that will benefit them in the future.

“A heartfelt thank you goes out to our local businesses for their unwavering support in mentoring and guiding our students. Their generosity in opening their doors and sharing their expertise has been instrumental in ensuring that our students receive meaningful and practical learning opportunities,” stated Portlaoise College Deputy Principal Patrick Travers. 

Speaking about the importance of these initiatives, Portlaoise College’s Community Engagement Officer, Adele Wilson, expressed her deep appreciation for the continued support from local businesses and organisations:

“We at Portlaoise College are incredibly grateful for the generosity and encouragement shown by our local businesses. Their commitment to supporting our students—whether through work experience, sponsorships, or workshops—is invaluable. These partnerships enrich the educational journey of our students and help them build essential life skills. We look forward to strengthening these relationships even further in the future,” she said. 

She said "Portlaoise College remains dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community by actively engaging with local businesses and organisations. Through these collaborative efforts, students gain practical experience, the school benefits from external expertise, and the wider community sees the positive impact of investing in young people.

We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who continues to support our students and our school, and we look forward to many more successful collaborations in the years ahead.”

Portlaoise College recently hosted its highly anticipated annual school show, Grease, a true testament to the power of community collaboration. The production was made possible through generous sponsorships and raffle prize donations from numerous local businesses. Their contributions not only helped make the show a success but also underscored the strong bonds between the school and the wider community.

The support from these businesses ensures that students have the opportunity to showcase their talents while also reinforcing the importance of community spirit.

Further strengthening community ties, Portlaoise College recently hosted a 5th Year Empowerment Workshop, bringing external expertise into the school to support student growth and development. Laois Sports Partnership facilitated an engaging team-bonding session with our 5th Year students, encouraging them to build confidence, enhance communication skills, and develop leadership abilities. This workshop provided a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in experiential learning within a collaborative environment.