Institute of Technology Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland,Third Level, Higher Education

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Career Pathfinders Access Programme

INTRODUCTION

This programme originated in November 2001 as a joint initiative with Partnership Trá Lí, Tralee Learning Together Network and the Institute of Technology, Tralee and now includes University College Cork’s Access Office. The programme targets potential high achieving Junior Certificate students attending second level education. It was agreed that these students would benefit from an access programme with a career guidance focus which would assist them in making a more informed choice of subjects for Leaving Certificate and encourage access to third level.

Objectives of the initiative

To enable potential high achievers within the target group to reach their full potential in senior cycle
To raise these students’ awareness and expectations in relation to their own ability to achieve and progress to third level education
To stimulate these students’ motivation to learn
To increase the uptake of third level education places by these students

Action to be taken

Identify potential high achievers from 3rd year through the Study Support Groups and Career Guidance Counsellors at the secondary schools in the Partnership Trá Lí area.
Hold focus groups on interests/potential career choices of these young people
Source tailored and personalised career path finding
Arrange field trips to visit graduates of the ITT at their places of employment. These graduates will be specifically identified to meet with the interest of the students
Host shadow and taster events at the ITT directly related to the students’ areas of interest
Arrange a Parents Day to discuss issues such as supporting your child through college, financial and other supports available

Expected outcomes

These students will feel confident when making their choice of subjects for the Leaving Certificate
These students will feel motivated to study and reach for the goals they have identified through the programme
These students will consider third level education as an option for progression after the Leaving Certificate
These students’ parents will be aware of how they can support their child in achieving their educational goals
This programme will have been piloted by Tralee Learning Together Network, Partnership Trá Lí and the Institute of Technology Tralee and will lay the foundation for future activities and events to benefit potential high achievers at second level

For further information please contact the Access Officer