Students from three Dublin schools have graduated from a unique work readiness programme for senior cycle students at a special online event attended by Lord Mayor Hazel Chu.
Career Ready is managed by JAI to enable specially-selected senior cycle students to complete a range of activities designed to increase their skills and improve their confidence. Each student enjoys the opportunity to work with a business mentor for 18 months, visiting workplaces, attending masterclasses, and completing work placements.
This unique initiative is supported by a wide array of business and industry leaders who see the benefit for students as they come to recognise their potential, develop their employability skills, enhance their academic progress and introduce them to the world of work. The 2018-2020 cohort comprises thirty six students from St. Paul’s CBS, North Brunswick St; Loreto College, Crumlin and Our Lady of Mercy, Beaumont.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Chu joined the students to celebrate the completion of the two year work readiness programme and commend all of the mentors and other business people involved in supporting the Career Ready initiative. In acknowledging the achievements of the students, the Lord Mayor said: “By challenging themselves to apply for and participate in the Career Ready programme, these young people have taking their first steps in shaping their own futures. By completing this programme they have acquired new skills and explored new interests. Most importantly – their determination to maximise their potential while being willing to accept help and support from others means they should have every confidence in their ability to achieve their goals in the future. I would like to congratulate them on their achievements and thank all involved for making this unique learning experience available to the next generation of leaders.”
The students also benefited from a talk by Barry Winkless, Director of the Future of Work Institute in Cpl, who explored creativity at a young age and assured the students that anything is possible for them, especially in our current technological age.
Mentors, masterclasses, workplace visits and internships for Career Ready 2018-20 were available to students because of the generosity of the following organisations: A&L Goodbody, Accenture, Autodesk, Barclays, BNY Mellon, Central Bank of Ireland, Citi, Deloitte, Dun & Bradstreet, Eir, Eurofins, HubSpot, Marker Hotel and Standard Life.
Transition Year Coordinator Mary Kelleher from Loreto College Crumlin said: “We have participated in Career Ready since its inception and appreciate the incredible set of opportunities this initiative provides for our students. Engaging with professionals from a wide range of industries and enjoying masterclasses/ workshops in the workplace really has a significant impact. It is critical that we open students’ eyes to the range of possibilities that are available while helping them to see the relevance of their studies to their post-school choices. Thank you to all those involved.”
On behalf of JAI, CEO Helen Raftery reflected on the power of role models and the impact of the Career Ready initiative: “The importance of role models in helping us learn and develop is fundamental. When caring adults are involved in education, students do better in school and life, adults become empowered, and schools and communities grow stronger. We are very grateful to all our partners for their support of the Career Ready initiative and well done to the students and their mentors on the completion of the 2020 programme.”
