IT Companies – a Click Ahead in Donegal
15th February 2013
There is much to celebrate in Donegal and it’s not just the Sam Maguire! Two leading Letterkenny-based global companies, Pramerica and SITA, are making an enormous impact within the local community through the Schools’ Business Partnership.
Pramerica, an operations, systems and information technology services subsidiary of U.S. Prudential Financial Inc., initially became involved with SBP in 2008 when Mary Howick, VP of HR delivered a seminar on Performance Management to local principals. In 2010 Pramerica partnered with Mulroy College and participated in Skills @ Work. Recently, an additional seven Pramerica volunteers led by Emma McCleary commenced the Student Mentoring Programme.
Martin Davies, Pramerica company coordinator, reflects: “Working with the students at Mulroy College has been tremendously rewarding. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is inspirational. We at Pramerica get as much out of the whole experience as they do! It challenges us, and gives us an opportunity, outside of our work environment, to make a positive difference in our local community. I sincerely hope this relationship continues, and grows, for many years to come.”
SITA is the world’s leading specialist in communications and IT sol-tions for the air transport industry and its global presence includes a software development centre in Letterkenny. They partnered with Finn Valley College in 2011. Elizabeth Gillooly, Leona Barron and Clare Fitzpatrick, have delivered a first-class series of sessions.
Chris Carlson, Director of Software Development Ireland, SITA, said: “Our employees have been eager to volunteer for the programme as they see it as a tangible way to give back something to the local community. Working with Finn Valley College, we have been able to give the students a glimpse into the fascinating world of the air transport industry. By visiting our centre in Letterkenny, the students have gained a truly global view of how airlines and airports are run.”
Those involved in both companies have been inspirational & exceptional. They have provided an insight into their unique operations, cultures and practices that encourage and challenge the students. This skills-sharing will have a legacy, relevance and memory with the students, lasting as long as the memories of when they met Mr Sam Maguire…….
Tags: education
