Ibec & NAPD collaborate to host TY Talks 21 for transition year students

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, believes that months of ongoing remote learning and Covid-19 restrictions have meant that thousands of transition year students across Ireland will have missed out on the opportunity to develop the practical, personal and social skills, and to gain insights and ideas about the world of work.

To combat this, Ibec is delighted to be partnering with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals in Ireland (NAPD) to deliver TY Talks 21, an online immersive conference for transition year students across Ireland who have had their TY experience severely undermined by Covid-19 disruptions.

TY Talks 21 takes place on Wednesday, May 5th, and will host 45,000 transition year students from 550 schools nationwide. Schools interested in registering can visit www.tytalks.ie for more information.

Speaking about the event, Ibec director of membership & sectors, Sharon Higgins says; “Covid-19 has been a major disruption to workplaces, businesses and schools alike. Unfortunately for transition year students across the country, this has meant that they have missed the opportunity to engage in the practical work experience that underpins the TY programme.

We want to inspire and inform this generation of students

“As we move into more uncertain, but also exciting times with the advent of technology, digitalisation and increasing globalisation, it is more important than ever for our young people to gain insights and experience into the world of work. TY work experience not only enables young people to develop crucial practical, personal and social skills, but affords opportunities for these students to discover what they are passionate about.

"Ibec is delighted to be partnering with the NAPD to deliver TY Talks 21. Through this exciting project, we want to inspire and inform this generation of students and offer them a preview of the world of work, the future of work, the essential 21^st century skills and the varied skills and education pathway open to them," says Higgins.

It is an exciting opportunity to engage with the thousands of transition year students across Ireland

President of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), Michael Cregan, says; “The past 12 months have been hugely challenging for students of all ages across the country. For our transition years, Covid-19 has robbed them of many experiences, including the opportunity to pursue and develop their burgeoning interests and gain insights into the world of work.

“While we cannot fully replicate the work experience for these students, TY Talks 21 looks to bring the world of work virtually to them, with insights from futurists, influencers, future young leaders, entrepreneurs and business leaders. The event blends the educational world with the world of business, and ultimately looks to assist the development of students into their future pathways.

“It is an exciting opportunity to engage with the thousands of transition year students across Ireland and allow them to head onto the next stage of their educational journey with renewed passions and interests,” says Cregan.

The event is supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, Fís Éirean Screen Ireland, Cpl Resources and Amazon Web Services (AWS), alongside Ibec’s learning and skills partners, Solas, the Higher Education Authority, Irish Universities Association and Skillnet Ireland.

Students will get insights from a wide range of industries including Food, Drink & Agriculture; Life Sciences; Technology & Telecoms; Engineering, Logistics and Supply Chain; Arts, Entertainment, Media; Property & Construction; Retail, Hospitality & Sport; Financial Services & Professional Services; Health, Social & Childcare; and Public Service & Civil Service.

Ibec’s learning partners will provide insights into pathways for Apprenticeship; Further Education; Institutes of Technology; Technological University; Universities; Studying Abroad; and Study Supports.

The conference is taking place with generous support from Ibec’s media partners The Irish Times, Spin 1038 and Spin Southwest.

[ www.tytalks.ie ]