Industry Link Activities
Colaiste Ide has for many years established and maintained a reputation for very positive links with the business community. The college management and staff recognise and value greatly this relationship. The delivery and success of many of our day and evening programmes is enhanced by the interest and co-operation shown by our partners in industry.
The main aims of industry-linked activities in the college are:
- to establish links with the business community with whom no links have been previously established.
- to foster stronger links with the business community with whom links have already been established.
These aims are achieved in a number of ways. The main ones are detailed below.
Student Award Scheme
The main aim of this scheme is to reward those students who have performed consistently and to a high standard throughout the year. For the business community the scheme facilitates a more active participation in college activities. For the students it provides an increased awareness of the importance of involving the business community in their time at the college.
A number of criteria are used along with academic performance to ascertain the best all-round performer on each of the college's programmes. The business community and other interested bodies are invited each year to sponsor an "Achiever of the Year" student. The recipients of the awards are presented with a gift cheque and a plaque to acknowledge their achievement at the college's annual Presentation of Certificates and Awards.
Job Placement
The college provides a very valuable resource for the business community and many organisations (locally and beyond) in the recruitment of suitably qualified employees. Our graduates with full qualifications have little difficulty in securing employment. Close links have also been established with recruitment agencies, which enhance the employment prospects of graduates.
Course Development and Review
In an ever-changing world the college strives to meet the demands for the future skill needs of local and national employers. The college is proud of its record in its ability to adapt to the training and education needs of a changing economy. To this end our close working relationship with the business community is essential. Examples of this are evident across a range of courses, which have been developed or enhanced. These include Catering, Natural Science and Business.
Chamber of Commerce
The college is a member of the North Dublin Chamber of Commerce and also holds a seat on the Chamber Council. The relationship between the Chamber and the college is a very productive and valuable one. Membership offers a range of benefits to students, principally in the area of employment and work placements.
The chamber can be accessed on: www.ndcc.ie
North Dublin Development Coalition (NorDubCo)
This acts as a regional think tank to promote economic, social and civic development in the North Dublin region. NorDubCo engages with a wide range of stakeholders in relation to policy formation around the primary strategic issues facing the region.
NorDubCo is based in DCU and can be accessed on: www.socent.ie
Staff Training for Employers
For many years the college has been providing education and training services to the local and wider business communities. A wide range of training programmes is on offer, mainly in the Business and IT areas. In more recent times and in response to growing demand courses in English language for non-native employees are on offer.
Details of all courses are available through: www.colaisteide.ie
Guest Lecturers
A number of guest lecturers give talks and demonstrations in their specialist area of knowledge to students, throughout the year. Their contributions help to enhance the learning process for students and are a valuable resource for staff also.
