Irish business technologies provider Datapac has upped investment in its annual work placement scholarship programme to €150,000 for 2008.
The number of third-level students partaking in a work placement programme as a result of the investment will rise from 12 last year to 15 this year.
“The work placement scholarship programme is an integral part of Datapac’s education programme,” explained Edel Creely, managing director, Datapac Information Technologies and Business Solutions. “It provides students with that all-important first reference experience.
“Students are enthusiastic about the programme as they feel that despite the growing number of jobs available, candidates are still required to have some previous experience. The programme provides them with training and a solid overview of the sector”.
The work placement scholarships are offered to students across all disciplines, not only technical but also sales, marketing, accounts and purchasing.
To qualify for one of the scholarships, applicants must have achieved a minimum standard in their academic studies to date. Applications will be assessed by Datapac and scholarships are then awarded to students in their final or penultimate year.
Universities, institutes of technology and other third-level providers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will participate in the programme.
Successful applicants are hired by Datapac for a defined period, the primary objective of which is to train and develop their skills for the employment market in the future.
“The work placement scholarships have been a huge success and many students are now fully employed within various company sectors,” said Patrick Kickham, managing director, Datapac Computer Consumables. “Businesses can make huge savings in the recruitment, selection and training of apprentices through the programme and can gauge a student’s suitability before offering employment.”
Datapac employs 200 people across its operations in Ireland, including offices in Dublin, Wexford, Belfast and Cork. The company has a turnover of €65m annually.
By Niall Byrne
Pictured front (L-R): Sandra Chatham, general manager, Datapac IT Consumables and Edel Creely, managing director, Datapac Information Technologies and Business Solutions
Pictured back: some of the students: Laura Martyn, Tipperary; Julie Gaule, Kilkenny; and Keith Brazil, Waterford
