Aurivo opened its doors to senior cycle students from Coláiste Iascaighin Easkey as part of The Schools’ Business Partnership (SBP) Skills @ Work Programme, an initiative that provides a glimpse into the world of work to senior cycle students. Students were given a guided tour of the facility in Ballaghaderreen by company employees and gained an insight into the many career opportunities that exist in the agri-food sector.

Speaking about the programme, Lydia Rogers, Aurivo communication and brand manager said, “Aurivo is delighted to partner with Coláiste Iascaigh as part of the Skills @ Work initiative. Aurivo has a strong corporate responsibility ethos and the Business in the Community programme is an excellent way of helping students prepare for the world of work and giving them a valuable insight into the breadth of careers within the agrifood sector. The first session is particularly enlightening for participants as they get to do a site visit and see how Aurivo turns our 1,000 dairy farmers’ milk into enriched milk powder for global export, and as part of the careers workshop have the chance to participate in a speed networking session with employees from a wide range of departments and business units to discuss their varied roles. The programme is an excellent way of developing communication, team building and leadership skills for both employees and students”.

The site visit is one of a number of sessions inThe Skills @ Work Programme. The programme also provides CV workshops, ‘A Day in the Life’ talks, mock interviews, company overviews, interview skill techniques as well as sessions on workplace etiquette and teamwork. Employees at Aurivo are committed to assisting students recognise the value of completing the Leaving Certificate and helping them explore possible career paths.

“Colaiste Iascaigh has been linked with Aurivo over the past number of years as part of a Business in the Community partnership. This partnership has been hugely beneficial to the school and the students. Aurivo have always been extremely welcoming and has put a lot of effort into all the activities and

learning experiences they have provided for our students. The partnership helps students to understand the world of work and allow them to engage with and learn new skills for job seeking and teamwork. Students will bring with them when they finish their leaving certificate the skills and information that they have gained through this experience.” said Dayna Byrne, Business Studies Teacher, Coláiste Iascaigh.

“It is an absolutely fantastic experience for students to be able to visit a business like Aurivo and see for themselves firsthand what a business does on a daily basis. It gives them real insight into the world or work just when they are making choices about what they might like to do next themselves. Allowing students this great opportunity shows the company’s ongoing commitment to its community and sustainability.” said Fania Ellison, regional coordinatior, Business in the Community Ireland.