The Institute of Technology Tralee Careers office collected a second AHECS Employability Award in the Mansion House, Dublin last week. The award was in recognition of work completed by the careers officer on a project entitled ‘Empowering academics to develop students’ active job search and employability skills through digital learning’ during which the officer provided careers educative sessions to academics and students incorporating digital reusable learning objects (RLOs) and assessment rubric.

The project incorporated work completed with academics Marguerita O’ Neill and Fiona Mullins as well as the E-learning Development Unit of IT Tralee, while delivering sessions to a group of 42 IT Tralee social care students. Careers Officer Louise Nagle explained that ‘the project involved students working on their on-line profiles and connecting to industry links in their relevant sector as well as covering the theory around careers skills development. As a result students’ increased confidence in engaging with employability while also enhancing academic employability teaching.’ Lecturer Marguerita O’ Neill explained that ‘students reflected on skills and experience they have, thus linking this action and part of the third year post placement module content of ‘Critical Reflection on Professional Practice’. The resilience and confidence of students was also enhanced as they became familiar with industry opportunities.

Participants indicated that the project helped them to reflect on their skills, to sell themselves more effectively while view profiles of past graduates from their course. Students also indicated that they felt positive in terms of approaching industry links and encouraged by identifying where past graduates have progressed in their careers. They were assured when they grew their contacts and established how many connections in industry they gained.

The IT Tralee Careers office previously won an award for the careers education programme ‘Steps2Success’ in 2011