The one hundredth link of the Schools Business Partnership has been launched in Tipperary by Minister of State for Education, Seán Haughey.

The partnership, a programme within the Business in the Community Ireland portfolio, matches companies and local schools throughout Ireland.

In the latest link, Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Alza Ireland will team up with St Ailbe's school in Tipperary and participate in the partnership's Skills@ Work programme.

Employees of Alza will provide talks to St Ailbe's senior cycle students about real-life skills required in the workforce, such as interview preparation and CV writing to assist them on their career paths. The students will also be brought on a site visit to witness the career opportunities that exist in the company.

"We know this partnership will assist students in the matched school and will also be of benefit to our own employees," Gerry Collins, managing director of Alza Ireland, said yesterday.

"This programme provides an avenue for our employees to improve and enhance the community in Tipperary in which we live and work."

The Schools Business Partnership was set up in 2001 and is managed by the Business in the Community Ireland, a business-led network committed to corporate responsibility practices and community involvement.

Linked schools and companies engage in one or more Schools Business Partnership modules depending on the resources of the company and the needs of the school and its students.

In addition to Skills@Work, other modules include student mentoring, management excellence for principals and a summer work placement programme.

The programme aims to add value to the Department of Education and Science's school completion programme.

Funded under the National Development Plan with assistance from the European Social Fund, it is the only business to education programme in Ireland and is jointly funded by both business and the department.