HRI and the Curragh Community College celebrated a 15-year partnership last week on the delivery of Business in the Community Ireland schools programme incorporating the World of Work programme to second year students and a Student Mentoring Programme to fifth and sixth year students.

Both programmes rely on corporate volunteers and are designed to raise career aspirations, boost school attendance and open professional networks to DEIS students.

The World of Work programme volunteers share their career experiences, overview of their daily tasks and host a site visit to their company. While the Student Mentoring Programme pairs the corporate volunteers with senior cycle students to give guidance on CV, interview technique and career-focused topics.  

Over the past 15 years, this partnership between Horse Racing Ireland and Curragh Community College has benefited over 600 students.

Better self-esteem

Jo Sayers, Education Regional Coordinator said: “We applaud Horse Racing Ireland for their ongoing commitment to this partnership with Curragh Community College. These programmes have proven that the pupils do better in school and have better self-esteem. 

“While the volunteers report an increase in their own self-confidence, are more integrated into the community and find it a very worthwhile volunteering opportunity. It is a win-win situation.”

Sinead Gorman, Curragh Community College said: “Our students have benefited greatly from this programme, which has encouraged them to access further education, raised their career aspirations and enhanced their understanding of the wide range of jobs available within the world of work.

“We are grateful to Horse Racing Ireland for their ongoing commitment and partnership with us. This connection has helped remove barriers to opportunity and inspire and motivate pupils in their career choices.”

Anne Marie Keane, Head of HR and Capability, Horse Racing Ireland said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate 15 years of partnership with Business in the Community Ireland and Curragh Community College.

“These programmes are valued by our employees, who are always keen to give back to the community, and we see first-hand the profound difference these programmes make in giving young people the confidence to see a place for themselves in higher education and the professional world.”