Paula O’Connell, Cork College of Commerce teacher, with Brid Creedon, Senior Manager of Infrastructure & Strategic Projects at Eli Lilly.
It is often said that older students respect educators more if they are still actively working or in tune with their industries, and as such will pay less or more attention to them depending. Due to this, connecting with industry leaders and keeping staff abreast of industry requirements and innovations is an important element of education. This is something Cork College of Commerce recognises and is actively embracing for the betterment of their students and their teaching staff.
The educational institution was delighted to participate in Further Education Training Cork (FET Cork) Staff Placement in Industry Programme recently. This innovative and industrious programme is offered in partnership between CEBT and local businesses and industry leaders.
It provides a unique opportunity for teachers and tutors in the FET sector to undertake a short-term subject-related placement within their industry of expertise. This is the second year the college has participated in the programme, showing their dedication to frequently upskilling their teachers and delivering the most up-to-date knowledge through their own teaching.
The programme provides participants with the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into current industry practices, the challenges of the workplace, updates to existing knowledge, and learn more about career paths and opportunities within related careers, that they can then prepare their students for. The knowledge gained will aid teachers in preparing their students not only for entering the workplace but for succeeding in it.
Technology innovations have made the world and in particular the workplace a much more fast-paced place, and this experience gives teachers the chance to keep up-to-date with current and upcoming trends in business and workplace communications and administration too, which will only enhance their own programme delivery in a positive way.
Logistically, the programme involves teachers and tutors spending one week in the field, shadowing a mentor. This year, nine members of staff from Cork College of Commerce participated, and Mary Lenihan of Cork ETB, who oversees the programme in Cork, expressed her delight that so many teachers took part.
The nine teachers represented educational programmes across childcare, professional cooking, business and administration and shadowed their appointed mentors at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Cork International Hotel, Cronin Wall Auctioneers, Cork City Council, Model Farm Childcare, Cuddles Creche, Creche Cois Laoi and Eli Lilly Global Business Centre. Each teacher returned fully enthused and ready to impart their knowledge upon their students!
Cork College of Commerce provide a wide range of full-time and part-time programmes, each designed to provide you with the foundation and impetus to take the next step in your learning journey. The staff strive to ensure you will have an incredible experience, both practically and academically, built on their commitment to high quality teaching and learning in a supportive environment, which will expand your horizons and provide new opportunities for your future.
“We care about your learning, your success and your student experience here.”
Cork College of Commerce
Morrisons Island Centre, Cork
021 422 2100
info@corkcollegeofcommerce.ie
corkcollegeofcommerce.ie
