Institute of Technology Carlow has become the first third-level college in Ireland to partner with Specialisterne, an independent specialist recruitment and support agency, to boost career opportunities for students with autism. Established in 2013, Specialisterne has worked with many of Ireland’s leading businesses, including: SAP; ESB; Deloitte; Janssen; Accenture and Bank of Ireland.
The Institute will collaborate with Specialisterne in the “WorkAbility” development programme to increase opportunities for Institute of Technology Carlow students with autism in gaining work experience, leading to greater job opportunities after graduation.
The collaborative programme, individually tailored to each student, includes the full range of employability skills, up to and including employment placement. Specialisterne will also provide individual support for the students in their transition beyond college, such as on-the-job support and assistance, including environmental considerations.
“Our student learning experience is at the centre of everything we do at Institute of Technology Carlow and this partnership with Specialisterne is all about empowering our students and graduates with autism, enabling them to realise their true potential”, said David Denieffe, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Institute of Technology Carlow. “We create a suitable learning environment for students with autism that allows them to succeed and participate fully in college life and now our collaboration with Specialisterne will ensure that this continues in the transition beyond college into employment”.
Speaking at the announcement, Peter Brabazon, CEO of Specialisterne Ireland, commented, “Specialisterne Ireland is delighted to welcome Institute of Technology Carlow to the Ability programme as the first third-level institution to join us in this government and ESF funded initiative. We are pleased to be complementing IT Carlow's long history of assisting students of all abilities”.
Further information is available through the student services office at Institute of Technology Carlow. T: 059 9175000
Caption: David Denieffe, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Institute of Technology Carlow (front left) and Peter Brabazon, CEO of Specialisterne Ireland (front right), sign a Memorandum of Agreement between the two organisations. Institute of Technology Carlow has become the first third-level college in Ireland to partner with Specialisterne, the independent specialist recruitment and support agency, to boost career opportunities for students with autism attending Institute of Technology Carlow. Also pictured, back from left: Nigel Whyte; Head of Dept. of Computing & Networking, Institute of Technology Carlow; Judy Murphy, Careers Officer, Institute of Technology Carlow; Rosemary Flynn, Head of Learner Support & Student Services, Institute of Technology Carlow; Enda Dunican, Programme Director, IT Management, Institute of Technology Carlow