Seeing is Believing Tours
As part of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) agenda, we have created a particularly interesting and effective initiative directed at science and technology teachers. Working with leading local STEM sector companies, it is a one day tour with the following objectives:
- To become more familiar with the type of employees that companies are currently hiring and what will be required of future hires
- To increase the Science teachers’ knowledge of three local companies from different sectors and the job roles within those sectors
- To see first hand how Science skills are being used in a practical setting
- To provide a networking opportunity for establishing contacts in the business world and between teachers
The STEM ‘Seeing is Believing’ tour series began by taking place in Dublin in 2012 and continues annually. It was successfully rolled out in Cork and Limerick in 2013 and in Dublin and Donegal so far in 2014 with another tour planned to take place in the midlands before the end of this year. The feedback from the teachers has always been extremely positive, with teachers saying that they are now better informed about the industries in the locality and that they are more confident now in giving advice to students. From the latest tour evaluations (Dublin & Donegal 2014), all teachers found the day beneficial, with over 70% finding it very beneficial. All participants said they would recommend this tour to other science teachers.
Caption: Pictured are Gerard Grant, Vice President Information Technology, Andrea McBride, Vice President Systems and staff from Pramerica with Elaine McFadden, Regional Coordinator BITCI and 18 STEM teachers from across Donegal.
