Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the Higher Education Institute with the strongest graduate employability figures in the country, has recognised students from its TUS Employability Plus Award programme at a special ceremony in TUS Moylish Campus.
The event was organised by the TUS Midwest Careers & Employability Service to recognise “outstanding students from a variety of academic programs and campuses across the Limerick, Tipperary and Clare campuses” who took part in an extracurricular employability programme.
According to the most recent HEA (Higher Education Authority) Graduate Outcomes Survey, 87% of 2022 TUS honours degree graduates are in employment, the highest percentage in the country.
According to the national survey, TUS undergraduates are also more likely to take up employment in the regions served by its campuses.
The TUS Employability Plus Award programme offers students the chance to enhance their employability throughout the academic year, allowing them time to showcase their unique skillsets and experiences to potential employers. It celebrates student dedication to their professional development and highlights the commitment of TUS to graduate job-ready individuals.
Speaking at the third annual TUS Employability Plus Award 2023-2024 ceremony Aoife Prendergast, Careers and Employability Manager at TUS Midwest, emphasised the significance of the awards. She said, “The TUS Employability Plus Award recognises the dedication and effort students put into developing their employability skills, which are essential for success in today’s competitive job market. These students have actively engaged in a variety of activities, from employer engagement initiatives to reflective entries, demonstrating their commitment to their professional and personal development. We are proud to acknowledge their achievements and wish them all the best in their future careers.”
From left to right Dean Flexible and Work Based Learning Seamus Hoyne, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane, Student Denis Hardi, and Careers and Employability Manager Aoife Prendergast at At the TUS Employability Plus Awards.
Joanne Holland, Career Officer at TUS Midwest, explained, “Students completed self-reflection activities to explore and understand their own individual profile and strengths, and it also allowed them to become familiar with the market by attending employer events and skills development workshops.”
One of the successful students honoured was third year Business with Sports Management, student Tyrek Dannoun. He said,”I am currently in my work placement and having an amazing time. I can see how all these extracurricular activities helped me prepare for work placement and gave me confidence.”
Dianna Carmody, Marketing & Management Year 4 added, “Participating in the Employability Plus Award has been a transformative journey, revealing valuable insights about myself and the current job market. One key takeaway has been a deeper understanding of my own strengths, weaknesses, and preferences in the professional realm.”
Emily Challoner, Bioanalysis & Biotechnology, Year 4 said “The awards delved into key aspects of professional skills, including communications, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, all of which are crucial in navigating a career.”
TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, presented each award recipient with a certificate, acknowledging their commitment to developing their employability skills.