14 Cork schools link with 17 firms in business plan for students - Minister O’Keeffe

Fourteen schools in Cork are twinning with 17 locally based companies to give their students the business edge that will help them to develop their careers when they enter the workforce, according to the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD.

The students are taking part in an innovative Government-backed programme called the Schools Business Partnership that twins schools with major local businesses.

Among the Cork schools taking part in the programme are Bishopstown Community School, Mayfield Community School, North Presentation Secondary School and St Vincent's Secondary School.

The schools are partnering with major Cork-based companies that include Bord Gáis, Pfizer, IBM and Pepsi-co.

Minister O’Keeffe said country-wide more than 14,000 students from schools involved in the Department’s School Completion Programme have signed up for the Schools Business Partnership plan which aims to develop links between schools and local businesses in supporting inclusion in education.

‘Students are assigned a local business mentor to help them through school, receive advice on CV preparation and interviews, and sign up for work experience.

‘The programme was acknowledged on the international stage when I presented on its success in May to the EU Council of Ministers in Brussels.

‘I am delighted that Cork schools and businesses are partnering so well to boost students’ entrepreneurial potential and prepare them for the world of work.

‘The programme only works because of the support of Irish businesses and their commitment in these challenging times is to be applauded.

‘We must also acknowledge the support of teachers and the parents of the students.

‘Staying in school is vital to a young person’s development and life chances.

‘Programmes such as the Schools Business Partnership equips young people with valuable entrepreneurial skills and increases school retention rates,’ said Minister O’Keeffe.