FIFTY Leaving Cert students from Ardscoil Mhuire and Thomond Community College have graduated from the three-year Bridge to Employment (BTE) Programme.
Johnson & Johnson Vision and Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), collaborated with both schools to bring this unique opportunity to Transition Year students.
The programme is part of Johnson & Johnson’s global BTE initiative which aims to encourage young people to pursue higher education and careers in the healthcare industry. It is designed to engage students in their last three years of secondary school who demonstrate academic potential but may face barriers to career progression.
Johnson & Johnson Vision plant manager John Lynch congratulated the 50 Limerick students on graduating from the Bridge to Employment programme which has inspired young people to pursue education, excel in academics, and broaden their career aspirations.
“Given our commitment to supporting our local community here in Limerick, we were delighted to partner with Junior Achievement Ireland in supporting senior cycle students from Ardscoil Mhuire and Thomond Community College to pursue careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as the manufacturing and design industries.
“As part of this year’s programme, we will be awarding a number of further education scholarships to programme participants to help them towards the costs of pursing further education. We look forward to awarding the scholarships to the successful participants in the coming months,” he added.
Vivienne Hogan, Principal Thomond Community College said that being part of the Johnson & Johnson BTE programme was a very rewarding experience for their students.
“It was unique in the fact that it took the students from TY right through to their Leaving Certificate concentrating on providing various supports to help the students reach their full potential.
“Through the programme our BTE students have also been given the opportunity to apply for further education scholarships to help them towards the costs of pursing further education,” she added
