Weir congratulates St Michael’s College on local business partnership

Education Minister, Peter Weir, has visited St Michael’s College, Enniskillen to see at firsthand the success of the partnership between the school and Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH).

The school has worked with QIH since early last year to formalise a five-year agreement which creates career opportunities for pupils in their local community.

In addition, there are bursary awards for the top GCSE Engineering and GCSE Technology & Design; paid work placements for Year 13 pupils and access to  technical help and expertise.

Peter Weir said:

“I would like to commend both the school and Quinn Industrial Holdings on this initiative. I have been extremely impressed with the type and scale of this arrangement between St Michael’s and Quinns.

“Other schools and businesses could learn a great deal from your experience and knowledge and indeed I would encourage you share your experience with your partner schools in the local learning community.

“As you have demonstrated, schools and businesses need to work together for the benefit of both the young people in the area and the local economy.”

During the visit the Minister took the opportunity to watch Technology students working on projects.

Continuing the Minister said:

“Schools have a great deal of flexibility in how they deliver the statutory curriculum, including the range of subjects and types of courses and qualifications they can offer. However, schools can benefit greatly from the input of local employers when it comes to designing their curricular offer.

“Working together, schools and employers can ensure that learners are provided with opportunities to acquire appropriate, in demand skills that can lead to employment.”

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