It was that time of year again! Leaving Certificate students were preparing to fill out their CAO applications. Young people were exploring the many opportunities at Third Level Universities, Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Further Education. To meet specific needs of Post Primary students in Co. Mayo, Davitt College, Castlebar in partnership with the Education Working Group of Mayo Co. Council and the Mayo LEADER Partnership Company held its second very successful Career Options Event on Saturday 17th January 2015. There was certainly something for everyone on the day at the Davitt College Joe Langan Sports Hall. The exhibition provided an opportunity for second level students and their parents to access information regarding the wide range of education and training courses that are available in Third Level Education. Close on 1,600 people were present at the free event.
Career Options 2015 was a great example of partnership and collaboration in action. Almost 40 Universities and Colleges throughout the island of Ireland were represented together with a number of Universities from England. There were presentations on the day from CAO, SUSI Grants, UCAS, HEAR and DARE. There was also information available on Third Level Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants.
Seosamh Mac Donncha, Chief Executive of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, officially opened the event. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents in County Mayo to access information on Third Level opportunities in a vast array of areas, and right here in one location,” said Mr. Mac Donncha. Mr. Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo Co. Council was also present.
Ms. Bernie Rowland, Davitt College Principal, was delighted with the big turnout to the event. “There was a wealth of information available on the day to accommodate every interest – academic, creative and technical.” “I feel students experience has been enriched and I hope parents and their sons and daughters are now better able to make informed decisions about future careers,” she said. Strengthening existing partnerships with Third Level providers is a vision Davitt College has for the future and a spirit of collaboration was certainly evident on the day. Sincere thanks is extended to the organising committee at Davitt College for their hard work and attention to detail: Ruth Carney, Ger King, Aine Ni Cadhain, Emma Nestor,Tara O’Brien, Bernie Lennon and Padraic Moran.