Programmes

JA programme Overview

JA's unique approach allows volunteers from the community to deliver content, which is complementary to the formal curriculum while sharing their experiences with students. Our classroom volunteers transform the key concepts of lessons into a message that inspires and empowers students to believe in themselves, showing them they can make a difference in the world. JA’s programmes are designed to be fun, hands-on, high-impact experiences that give young people a taste of life in the world of work. These learning experiences inspire and motivate students to acquire the skills they need for future career success.

We invite you to take a closer look at our programmes!

BLENDED LEARNING

A new range of virtual volunteering programme options are available. These programmes retain the benefit of traditional in-class JA programmes while adding extra flexibility for both volunteers and schools.

Expanding the range of options for blended learning – combining traditional and digital methods – allows volunteers to facilitate programmes via classrooms’ interactive whiteboards, while the teacher helps to moderate the in-class discussion and ensure students can access the hard copy materials that are dispatched directly to the school.

Programmes begin at primary school level, teaching students how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers and continue through to second level, right up to age 18, preparing students for their future careers. All programmes are facilitated by volunteers who are fully trained and vetted before commencing and are generally delivered for 30mins once a week over 4/5 weeks.

Primary Programmes

Programmes are available as both traditional in-class Junior Achievement (JA) programmes as well as in blended learning format, adding extra flexibility for both volunteers and schools. Delivery method will be agreed in line with public health guidelines, school policy and the employer’s policy.  Combining traditional and digital methods allows volunteers to facilitate programmes via classrooms’ interactive whiteboards and/ or in person, and all programmes are facilitated by volunteers who are fully trained and vetted before commencing. Materials for students are delivered directly to the school. The content is generally covered in five 35-40 minute modules.

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Second Level Programmes

What’s the point of maths? Why the big deal about punctuality? And who’s going to give me a job anyway – I don’t have any stand-out-from-the-crowd talent! Second level programmes are structured, hands-on and activity based, focusing on enterprise, communication and interview skills as well as financial literacy. These programmes take the mystery out of negotiating the path from school to a career that suits each student’s individual strengths.

JA has collaborated with Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) to highlight the development of Key Skills through JA programmes and promote JA activities in second level schools.

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Skills4Retail

The EU-funded programme is a skills strategy and vocational education and training (VET) programme, supporting growth and sustainability in retail and wholesale.  The project is led by market and industry need, bridging the growing digital skills gap in retail and equipping the EU workforce for a dynamic, sustainable future.

Launched in August 2023, Skills4Retail is led by a Consortium of 30 partners from 9 EU countries - uniting Europe's leading education institutions, industry leaders and innovative service providers.  Together we're developing and delivering a robust training initiative that meets the evolving digital demands of the retail and wholesale sectors.

Skills4Retail responds to this urgent need by offering targeted training in sustainability and digital technologies, funded by the European Commission's Erasmus+ and Partnerships For Innovation.  We are committed to upskilling the workforce to navigate the new, tech-forward retail landscape, so businesses and people are equipped for resilience and growth in the post-Covid era.

Visit the official project website: https:/skills4retail.eu/

JA Ireland contact for Skills4Retail: Aoibheann Doyle - [email protected]