Aviva links up with school to prepare students for work

The alliance between Aviva Galway and Galway Community College in Mooneenageisha which allows for senior cycle students from the community school to enhance their job seeking skills is set to continue. Through a Skills@Work programme, employees from Aviva will volunteer to assist students in perfecting the exercises that will improve their ability to gain employment.

The scheme is due to commence in the next few weeks when students will be immersed in a course of practical training as well as information talks about working life. The Aviva employees will instruct students on the method of CV writing and practising interview techniques.

A ‘day in the life’ session will be organised to emphasise the significance of attaining a Leaving Certificate which will give students access to a greater array of employment pursuits. Aviva representatives will also be holding lectures about the career opportunities involved in the insurance industry.

Looking for work can be a daunting task for a student and in the current economic climate where work is sparse, young people will be grateful for programmes like Skills@Work.

Brian Melia, principal of the Galway Community school, testifies to the benefits of the new programme.“We are delighted to be continuing our link with Aviva. The Skills @ Work programme facilitated by the Schools’ Business Partnership will help our students to identify the connection between education and future opportunities that may be available. Establishing a rapport with employees from a local business will give great career exposure and open the students’ eyes to what exactly is involved in various jobs or careers on a day to day basis. It will allow them to explore what may be of interest to them and give them a target to aim towards in terms of their education.”