Work Placements for Dublin NEIC Students

Thursday, September 12th, 2019

In July 2016, the Government launched a major initiative in response to the Mulvey report for Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC) to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area. A programme office was established to work on the project.

Far Left, Tomás Sercovich, CEO, BITCI with participating students and, far right, Cliona Fitzsimons, SWPP Coordinator

In early 2019 Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) partnered with the NEIC office and the Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA) to deliver a paid Summer Work Placement programme (SWPP) to secondary school students in the area. Participating companies were; Mediolanum International Funds Ltd., Irish Funds Industry Association, Ernst & Young, Carne Global Financial Services, Brown Brothers Harriman, Amundi Ireland Ltd., Institute of Banking, JP Morgan, GAM, CACEIS Ireland Ltd., A & L Goodbody.

BITCI worked with post primary schools in the NEIC area and invited students to apply to the programme. Eighteen 6th year students were finally selected from the following schools for the paid placements: O’Connell’s SS; Mount Carmel SS; St Joseph’s SS; Rosmini CS; Marino College; Larkin CC. 

All students attended workshops in BITCI to assist them in preparing for their placements. Students began their placements in July and worked for either 6 or 8 weeks. BITCI evaluated the programme when the placements were completed, gathering feedback from both the students and the companies.

Companies:

“The programme ran very smoothly from the start. It was clear that a lot of work went into organising this programme and making sure it would be manageable from the get go.”

“The student was very enthusiastic and diligent in their work. They have been a great asset to the Marketing team and their work ethic is to be commended.”

“The student had a fantastic personality and attitude, and we believe they made a tangible difference in the office and particularly the experience of other interns working with us during his time.”

Students:

“Now I know what I am capable of doing, I can do anything if I am really determined. The programme taught me that.”

“Within those 8 weeks I built many skills with the help of my team and it’ll be something forever beneficial and something I will be forever grateful for.”

“It was a good experience to get a feel for real work life”