World of Work
This nationwide programme provides 2nd year students with an opportunity to meet corporate volunteers from a local company in order to learn about the World of Work. It facilitates conversations with corporate volunteers and insights to the many roles in the workplace. This inspires and encourages young minds to stay in education, make informed career choices and improves their confidence and self-esteem.
What is it?
Our nationwide volunteer programme offers employees the opportunity to engage directly with 2nd year students in local schools. Through a series of interactive sessions, volunteers share their personal career journeys, industry knowledge, and practical workplace insights. These sessions are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open students’ eyes to the wide variety of career paths available to them. By fostering meaningful conversations, the programme plays a vital role in helping young people understand the value of education and how it aligns with their future choices. It also supports the development of essential employability skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. The programme helps prepare the next generation to thrive in the evolving world of work.
Programme Overview
The programme is comprised of 4 in school sessions and 1 workplace visit, with the flexibility of combining sessions to suit the business and the school, all supported and guided by your dedicated BITCI Education Co-ordinator.
- Introduction Session: Led by BITCI to introduce students and the business coordinator.
- Sustainability: The business shares their insight to sustainability.
- Workplace Visit: A site tour, often paired with an interactive activity and with flexibility to add one of the other sessions.
- A Day in the Life of: Volunteers share their career journey and daily roles.
- Soft Skills: Hands-on session covering a variety of topics including communication, teamwork and problem solving presentation skills.
- Reflective Learning: Students present their learning, feedback and insight.
There is also an opportunity to be involved in the YES: Youth Engagement in Sustainability campaign, which is a national competition specifically sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland.
Some Benefits of the Programme:
- Inspires and encourages young minds to stay in education.
- Provides your team with a meaningful volunteering opportunity.
- Aligns with your ESG strategy, with impact reports for stakeholders.
Teleflex Medical
Teleflex, in Co. Tipperary, are passionate about engaging with the future generations of their local community in a meaningful way.
Teleflex have participated in the World of Work programme with a local secondary school, Newport College, for the past decade. During this time, volunteers engaged with students, which included site visits, career talks, competitions and hands-on engineering experiences that connected curriculum to the real world impact of medical devices.
This connection has strengthened student confidence, raised progression and aspirations. Together, Newport College and Teleflex are investing in the next generation of talent, skills and workforce readiness for Ireland’s future.
"This programme is of huge benefit to students. It gives them a valuable insight into the world of work, builds their confidence, helps them to set goals.”
"It's interesting and helpful for students to learn about parts of work and to make them think more about what they might do in the future."
World of Work Programme with Coillte and their school partners
Register your interest for your company or school to participate
The World of Work programme is funded by Tusla as we continue to evolve and improve the impact of the programme.
Check out other BITCI education programmes
Time to Read
A literacy support programme for children in 2nd class.
Time to Count
A numeracy support programme for children in 3rd class.
Student Mentoring Programme
A paired mentoring programme for senior cycle post-primary students.
Time to GROW
Get Ready for Opportunities to Work: a work experience programme for TY students.