Four Mayo schools are benefiting from the Schools’ Business Partnership programme, the only business to education programme in Ireland that is jointly funded by both the Department of Education and Science and business.
The Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, this week officially launched the Schools’ Business Partnership’s Annual Report 2007/2008.
The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP ), an innovative programme within the business in the community Ireland portfolio, matches companies and local schools throughout Ireland. It aims to add value to the Department of Education and Science’s School Completion Programme.
Currently four schools in Mayo are linked with a local business; Moyne College, Colaiste Chomain, Scoil Muire Agus Padraig and Carrowbeg College. The businesses which are matched to these schools in Mayo are Ballina Beverages, Shell E&P (Ireland ), Baxter Healthcare and Allergan.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Keeffe welcomed the report and acknowledged the significant nationwide contribution of the programme: “The Schools’ Business Partnership is a unique and innovative programme that provides practical advice and guidance to young people. By harnessing the power of business, it delivers tangible benefits to the education system. It prepares students for the working world and therefore adds value to our economy as it opens up a world of opportunities and career choices.”
The aim of the programme is to encourage students who are at risk of leaving school early to continue with their studies with the advice of business mentors, CV workshops and interview skills sessions, company visits, talks by employers from local businesses and a summer work placement programme.
