Latest Laois Business: Portlaoise College students complete ‘World of Work’ Programme
The Schools’ Business Partnership congratulates Laois County Council and Portlaoise College for completing of “The World of Work” Programme 2022/2023
The World of Work Programme is a collaboration initiative between Business in the Community Ireland and Laois County Council. The aim of which is to provide 2nd year students with an insight into the business that their school is partnered with. It facilitates conversations and insights to the many roles in the workplace. Supporting educational progression and inclusion, it inspires and encourages young minds to look towards the future. It is for the students who are targeted and supported by the School Completion Programme, as it is part of the strategy to engage students in school for them to maximize their potential in life. It provides the students with a very interesting insight into jobs, careers, into how a business operates and it will enable them to consider what is involved in the world of work. Ireland is now a leading country in Europe in how it engages the world of work with students. This is fundamental for them as they endeavour to maximize their own talents and fully engage in society as young adults. In Laois, the World of Work programme is co-designed by Laois County Council and Portlaoise College, so that each partnership is tapping into the students’ needs in terms of skill development and the based on the resources of the businesses.
The students were also 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 a thoroughly enjoyable concluding session held at the school on 20th April 2023, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme to Laois County Council Staff.
Both Portlaoise College and Laois County Council have been incredible supporters of the Schools’ Business Partnership Programme. The commitment and engagement of their staff not only benefits the students, but has far reaching impacts on the local community.
“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, said Darren Maher, Coordinator of the programme for Portlaoise College.
‘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.’ Anne Marie Kirrane, Community Development, Laois County Council.
Funded by the Department of Education & Skills, The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) has to date matched 236 Partnerships. 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.