"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." (W.B. Yeats)
School Employer Connections was set up by business leaders in 1999 to establish meaningful connections between schools and employers so that employers could play a part in preparing students for the world of work.
Previously called Foyle School and Employer Connections (FOSEC), we have simplified our name to coincide with our 10th anniversary celebrations and to reflect our expansion.
Over 6,000 students now take part in our programmes every year, connecting with our network of 500 employers.
You can read more about what we do, and how we do it, in the “Our Work” section of this site.
Women in Enterprise
Women in Enterprise recently held a networking event in the Waterfoot Hotel for 'Bizzi Gals'. Staff from School Employer Connections attended the event and even managed to scoop some prizes! Pictured are Hollie Brown, Work Experience Officer, Martina Balfour, Administrator, and Bernadette McCloskey, Events Co-ordinator.
Focus on Engineering
To highlight Engineers Week in February 2010 students spent time in Seagate, Bombardier, Dupont and All Pipe Engineering. Male and female students were introduced to the Engineering world by representatives of the companies who raised awareness of the general employability skills employers seek as well as highlighting industry-specific issues.
Belmont House Students Enjoy Work Experience Success
Students from Belmont House School, who started their work experience programme in March 2010 for one day a week, spent a whole week in May 2010 with their host employers. These were:
- Iceland
- McDonalds
- Longs
- Tesco
- Marks and Spencer
- Resource Centre Derry
- Supervalu
- NWRC Outdoor Pursuits
The students have grown in confidence and skill since March 2010 and we congratulate them all. For photographs of the students in their workplaces see our Work Experience page.
Buncrana Careers and Entrepreneurship Seminar
Well-known Inishowen businessman Brian Flanagan approached us in December to propose an event connecting business people/entrepreneurs, students and the wider public to raise energy and ideas in Inishowen with the aim of stimulating a culture of entrepreneurship. In the end, two events were held on 15 April. During the day event 287 Inishowen students took part in interactive workshops with the participating companies, which were: Seagate, Wright Bus, Nutherm, ICR Radio, 360 Production, Converse Group, Doagh Famine Village, The Beach House Restaurant, Rural Generation, Letterkenny Youth Information Centre and J.F. Coaching. During the evening event, members of the public heard inspirational and informative speeches from entrepreneurs - Mayor Lee Tedstone, Gerry Kindlon, Tom Brennan, Liam Gallagher and Declan Ganley.
On behalf of all the participants, we must commend and thank Brian Flanagan for his civic leadership and generosity in providing this excellent event. Thank you also to all of the business people who gave up their valuable time to work with the students. Your commitment is very much appreciated!
From glamorous student to dirty overalls - all in a week's work experience!
Jessica Vance from Royal and Prior Comprehensive in Raphoe completed her work experience placement with Desmond Motors. Not a typical area of interest for a girl but Jessica enjoys working with her father in his garage, Vance Repairs in Raphoe, during her holidays. Coming from a family of mechanics, she is quite happy to wear greasy overalls! Jessica realises the importance of education so she has set her sights on studying either Electronics or Engineering at university. When asked what she thought of the stereotype of women not being capable of doing traditional male roles, she replied that it was "completely rubbish!". Jessica advises girls not to be put off doing non-traditional jobs, and thinks the idea that some jobs are for men should be "scrapped altogether."
Funders
We are very grateful to the following organisations for supporting this year's programme of work:
The Department of Education
Limavady Borough Council
Derry City Council
Customized Training Services
Diamond Properties RBS
Thank you also to Mrs Nuala Connolly, Hunter Apparel Solutions and E&I Engineering for their donations of equipment.
