‘It’s a Wrap’ for SITA & Finn Valley College, Donegal

Monday, November 28th, 2016

Students from Finn Valley after successfully completing their Unique Business to School Programme with SITA

SITA, the global IT provider to the air transport industry has concluded the fifth successful year of The Skills @ Work programme working with the students of Finn Valley College. The School to Business Partnership provides students with a unique first-hand insight into the world of work and encourages school completion rates.

Over the course of the programme, employees of SITA provided a number of talks on the background of the company, services/products, roles and responsibilities of staff as well as workshops on team building, CV preparation and interview techniques. The students were also brought on a site visit to SITA’s software development centre in Letterkenny and shown demonstrations of SITA’s Airport Management System.

At a packed wrap up session held at the school, the students received Certificates of Achievement for completing the programme and gave feedback on their experiences of the programme which concluded with the first broadcasting of the Highland Radio show that the students have produced. It allowed them to reflect on their experience of the programme. The radio project showcased the excellent collaboration with the school by SITA, BITCI, Sadie Kelly, Schools Completion Programme and Highland Radio.

SITA has a presence in Donegal, employing over 150 people at its software development centre in Letterkenny. Vincent Kennedy, SITA Location Leader said:

“All of our team at SITA really enjoyed watching the Finn Valley College students grow throughout the programme, especially in terms of confidence. It’s so rewarding to know that we played some part in that development from the first day we all met to the day that the students made their final presentation. SITA has a commitment to work closely with the community and it is a pleasure and privilege to be involved and add value to the Skills @ Work Programme.”

Alan Thompson, Principal, Finn Valley College speaking about the value of the Skills @ Work Programme for the students added:

“This programme broadens horizons, helps students view their future in terms of a career as opposed to just a job and to think outside the box as well as looking at traditional areas. It improves student relations, improves their confidence when addressing authority makes students proud of their school and themselves and it encourages them to focus on their strengths.”