THIRD LEVEL students are finding it increasingly difficult to secure college placements thus impacting on their career progression, an Ennis representative has warned.
Speaking at a recent sitting of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) highlighted an increasing hurdle facing college students across the country with businesses taking on fewer placements since the arrival of COVID-19.
Flynn told the meeting that of his four children, two are still in college and have informed him of the growing trend of companies declining students a placement for the required period of time “A lot of people are having difficulty securing placements, a lot of companies are deciding not to take them on for the period of nine months”.
He questioned if SMEs in Co Clare would be able to step in and offer some sort of a solution. “During COVID, I’m hearing of a lot third level students not getting the experience that is necessary to bring them forward”.
Head of Enterprise with Clare LEO, Padraic McElwee said it was an issue that hadn’t been discussed in the SME sector or that had been considered in the LEO. He committed to raising the matter with the Mid West Regional Skills Forum, “there may be opportunities,” McElwee stated.
