Corporate–School Mentoring partnership boosts career ambitions and readiness

Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is marking another successful year of its Student Mentoring Programme, which continues to raise career aspirations, boost school attendance, and open professional networks for DEIS 5th and 6th year pupils across the country. This year, 347 students and mentors are taking part, bringing the total number of participating students to almost 3,500 since the programme began. 

The Programme pairs corporate volunteers with senior-cycle students in DEIS schools. It gives students a chance to connect and communicate on an adult level with professionals in the working world, helping to improve confidence, communication, and social skills as well as receiving guidance on CV, interview technique and career-focussed topics.   

Mel Flynn, BITCI Education Programmes Manager said “We are constantly amazed and impressed at how these pupils thrive within the Student Mentoring Programme. Sharing and discussing career aspirations with these mentors leads to enhanced understanding of the options available after school, offers insights and opportunities in sectors not previously considered and raises their self-esteem.” 

Katia Rocha, Mentor, Bank of Ireland said “Being part of this programme has been incredibly rewarding not just for the students, but for me as a mentor. Supporting someone’s growth has pushed me to reflect, learn, and develop new skills of my own. Each conversation has strengthened my ability to listen, guide, and encourage with more intention. Watching students build confidence and find their path has been inspiring, and it’s reinforced my own commitment to continuous growth and learning.” 

Amelia Salapatek, St Pauls Secondary School, Greenhills said “I have learned a lot from this mentorship programme that will help me in all aspects of my life. I learned I am more adaptable than I believed, shown by me signing up for this opportunity. These sessions also taught me that perspectives vary, and seeking others’ insights is important as it helps my understanding and helps collaboration with others. My mentor taught me a new technique to manage my time management and procrastination where I can categorise my assignments into different sections. I am using this new skill both in schoolwork and in my home life and feel less overwhelmed as a result.”  

The Student Mentoring programme is delivered by Business in the Community Ireland and is kindly supported and part funded by basis.point and Tusla Education Support Services (TESS). To date, almost 3,500 students and 2,800 mentors have participated to date in this impactful programme.  

ENDS

Media Contact: June Tinsley – Head of Communications BITCI, jtinsley@bitc.ie,  086 7733221   

Notes to the Editor:   

Business in the Community Ireland – Leaders in Sustainability and Social Inclusion. Our purpose is to inspire, challenge and facilitate businesses to bring about a sustainable, low carbon economy and an inclusive society where everyone thrives. We leverage our extensive network and depth of knowledge to guide businesses to embed all aspects of sustainability into their operations. Our programmes and partnerships are designed to bring about measurable improvements in environmental sustainability and social equity.    

 BITCI runs a series of education programmes partnering DEIS schools with local businesses aimed at improving literacy and numeracy levels, raising career expectations and tackling educational disadvantage.