SITA, the global IT provider to the air transport industry, opened its doors to senior cycle students from Finn Valley College as part of The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) Skills @ Work Programme, an initiative that provides students with a glimpse into the world of work.
A group of 14 students spent the day at SITA’s software development centre in Letterkenny where they attended ‘A Day in the Life’ sessions to hear what it is like to work in SITA as a human resource consultant, a team leader and a software developer.
The young visitors were also given demonstrations of SITA’s Airport Management Systems which keep major international airports running and SITA’s world-leading biometric products which are used by governments to control borders. SITA’s biometric gates are currently being trialled by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at Dublin Airport.
Speaking during the visit Mike Ellis, Director Technical Development, SITA, said: “The team here at SITA was delighted to welcome the group from Finn Valley College. We hope that the day provided the students with an insight into the various careers within a global IT and communications company and that they got a clear sense of what is done on a day-to-day basis at SITA.
“I know our employees are very excited to give the students a chance to see the working environment of a global company in the fascinating air transport industry and to get them thinking about potential careers.”
The site visit is one of a number of sessions in The Skills @ Work Programme which also includes CV workshops, mock interviews and interview skill techniques. Employees at SITA are committed to assisting students recognise the value of completing the Leaving Certificate and helping them explore possible career paths.“The Skills @ Work programme proposed by the Schools Business Partnership helps our students to identify the connection between education and the future opportunities that may be available. The site visit in particular gives great career exposure and opens the student’s eyes to what exactly is involved in various jobs or careers at SITA.
“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.” said Maria Clarke, Assistant Principal, Finn Valley College.
“The site visit is always one of the highlights for the students involved in the Skills @ Work programme. It gives them a true taste of the working world and shows them important skills such as workplace etiquette and expected behaviour in a professional environment, which can be one of the major adjustments for students to make moving from the education to the work environment.
“We are delighted that SITA is involved in the Skills @ Work programme and we look forward to developing the link further between SITA and Finn Valley College over the coming year.” said Elaine McFadden, Regional Coordinator, BITCI.
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