Cross-Border Careers initiative to strengthen career pathways and talent pipelines across border counties.
1st September 2026, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI) have launched Cross-Border Careers: Inspiring career ambitions for young people in border communities. A new initiative designed to strengthen connections between businesses, schools and local communities.
Cross-Border Careers aims to improve social mobility by creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage directly with employers, gain insights into a range of career pathways and better understand the skills required in today’s workplace. The initiative will also help businesses play an active role in developing future talent and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Funded through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, the initiative will support young people aged 16-18 from marginalised communities across the border counties of Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Cavan, Tyrone and Donegal. As part of the programme, students from paired schools on both sides of the border will take part in workplace visits hosted by local businesses. Combilift will host students from St Catherine’s College, Armagh and Largy College, Monaghan on 17 November; Kingspan will host students from Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen and St Mogue’s College, Cavan; and a workplace visit for Strabane Academy and Royal and Prior School, Raphoe will be confirmed for the Tyrone/Donegal pairing. These workplace visits will provide valuable insight into workplace environments and career opportunities.
In addition, a cross-border business roundtable will also take place in Enniskillen on 29th September, bringing together employers and stakeholders to discuss workforce readiness, inclusive hiring and future opportunities for the region. A career showcase webinar later in the year will highlight opportunities across key industries operating in border communities.
Mel Flynn, Education Programmes Manager with BITCI said “We are delighted to co-lead on this Cross-Border Careers initiative. It will help young people better understand the opportunities available to them locally and build their confidence, skills and connections needed to take the next step in their education and employment journey. It will help to ensure the border region thrives economically and inclusively.”
Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, BITC Northern Ireland said: “Businesses have a vital role to play in helping young people to realise their potential. Cross-Border Careers enables employers to engage with local schools, showcase career opportunities and inspire the next generation of talent. At the same time, it helps businesses to develop future skills pipelines and contribute to more inclusive economic growth in the communities where they operate.”
The ambition of this cross-border partnership focusing on education-business collaboration will reap dividends in encouraging local businesses to tap into a future talent pool and influencing further education and training choices of the students.
For more information please see: Cross-Border Careers – bitci
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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.
