Rebecca Clifford and Maeve O’Toole with Transition Year students from Calasanctius College, Oranmore
Students from Transition Year class Calasancitus College, Oranmore were given a real-life insight into work and business, when they were hosted by SAP SSC (Ireland) Ltd at their Galway headquarters in Parkmore. The visit was part of an ongoing programme provided by Junior Achievement Ireland, which was supported by SAP and which saw over 9 of their team provide practical entrepreneurship education workshops to local schools throughout the last 12 months.
David Ryan, Lead, GSS, Global Enterprise Support & Premium Engagements welcomed the Calasanctius students and their teacher Ms. Ruth Broderick to SAP and spoke to the students about the importance of focusing on their education and the skills required to work in a facility such as SAP. David also advised the students on the importance of being customer focused in the GSS, Global Enterprise Support & Premium Engagements team.
Rebecca Clifford, who organized the visit and had mentored the students through the Junior Achievement Ireland Company Programme said “I have volunteered with JA Ireland before, what brings me back each time is the enormous sense of accomplishment on both sides – for both myself and the students that I am teaching. This year I was working with TY students from my old school, Calasanctious College Oranmore, and they decided to set up their own business preparing and selling delicious milkshakes on campus during lunch break. The team worked so hard. I really feel that working through all the steps on the JA program helped contribute to their success but it would not have been possible without their dedication, commitment and hard work. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the TY students and I am looking forward to participating again in September!”
Following some presentations, students were given a tour of the SAP facility by Rebecca Clifford and Maeve O’Toole (Customer Success Manager, GSS). Calasanctius teacher Ruth Broderick commented “The Company programme is fantastic for Transition Year students, with hands on learning experience to setting up a company. Students learned to operate and manage their own business. We were lucky enough to have a very hardworking and dedicated volunteer Rebecca from SAP. It was great for the students to see a new face and to learn about the world of business from a young business professional in their local area. They really gained so many skills during the programme and the class visit to SAP was a great way to finish the year.”