More than 3,000 children nationwide are taking part in an innovative educational and business partnership programme aimed at deterring early school leaving, it was revealed today.
The proactive and enthusiastic involvement of Irish businesses with Ireland's schools is delivering real and tangible benefits
Minister for Education Mary HanafinInvolvement in the scheme has doubled in the past two years with more than 120 schools throughout the State taking part, business chiefs said.
Under the programme, companies are matched with local schools and employees give advice to teenagers on interview techniques and completing their curriculum vitae (CV).
A summer work placement is also organised offering short-term jobs in some of the country's leading financial firms.
"The Schools' Business Partnership consistently proves to be an essential and vital component in breaking the cycle of early school leaving at a national level," Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said, at an event marking the publication of the programme's annual report in Dublin.
"The proactive and enthusiastic involvement of Irish businesses with Ireland's schools is delivering real and tangible benefits. Students discover the wide range of career options available to them and realise the importance of staying in school and completing their exams," she said.
The Schools' Business Partnership programme, managed by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), was set up in 2001. It is the only such programme in Ireland jointly funded by both business and the Government.
Chair of the partnership Pauric O'Grady added the scheme had allowed for Ireland's employers to meet their potential future recruits.
"In a very short timespan, the Schools' Business Partnership has succeeded in mobilising and assisting Irish industry's engagement with its future employees," he said.
"We know the programme greatly benefits participating students but we are also finding that employees in participating businesses are themselves benefiting from actively engaging with their communities and local schools.
"It truly is a mutually beneficial programme."
PA