What do we do?
School Employer Connections is a social enterprise 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.
How do we do it?
We connect schools with employers through five different types of activity:
1. Work Experience Placements
A structured programme through which School Employer Connections matches students aged 14-18 with appropriate employers for one-week placements with quality educational and developmental outcomes.
2. Class Study Visits
Workplace-based curriculum-related workshops for whole class groups (usually around 12-20 students).
3. Careers Events
Large groups of students connecting with multiple employers and/or industry bodies around a specific theme – e.g. Allied Health Professionals Open Day, Stock Market Challenge, Technology and Design Careers Event.
4. Teacher Insight
Focussed workshops for teachers in the key sectors.
5. Online Insight
The Useful Resources section of this website contains valuable links and resources and we are adding to it all the time. If you have content you would like to see added please contact us on 02871364656 or by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Where do we do it?
We now run programmes all over Northern Ireland, though our primary area of focus is still the North West region, where the need for our services is greatest.
Standard Development Pattern of NI Regional Iniatives
Development of the School Employer Connections Initiative
Why do we do it?
Employers - Why Connect With Schools?
By getting involved, you will:
- help influence and prepare your future workforce;
- raise the profile of your organisation & industry to attract the very best talent;give something back to the community and support Corporate Social Responsibility goals;
- create opportunities for your teams to share their expertise & develop new skills.
Teachers - Why Connect With Employers?
- Give students real life insight & experience into the world of work
- Raise awareness of current and future employment opportunities to enable informed career planning
- Support curriculum requirements with experiential learning to increase students’ understanding & knowledge
- Raise students’ aspirations & confidence to successfully make the transition from education to working life
