The initiative highlights career opportunities in local businesses.
Second year students from Nagle Community College, Mahon, visited Gas Networks Ireland’s headquarters in Cork City for an insight into the ‘World of Work’. The nationwide education initiative, ran by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), aims to inspire and encourage young people to stay in education and make informed choices by highlighting the many career opportunities available in local businesses.
The visit provided students with an opportunity to tour Gas Networks Ireland’s Cork office and meet with employees while gaining insights into presentation skills and the importance of sustainability for the national utility.
Students explored gas pipeline equipment that is used by Gas Networks Ireland across Ireland’s €3bn, 14,725km national gas network, followed by a visit to the grid control room where members of the team monitor and control gas infrastructure including pipelines and compressor stations.
Commenting on the visit, Gas Networks Ireland’s Social Sustainability Manager Gráinne O’Reilly said: “Inspiring students to pursue careers in sustainable fields through initiatives like ‘World of Work’ not only prepares them for meaningful employment but also helps to equip our future generations with the skills and perspectives to work towards net zero climate action targets.”
Jack Butler, teacher at Nagle Community College, Mahon said: “Encouragement, mentorship and educational initiatives such as ‘World of Work’ play a crucial role in guiding young individuals in their career paths. Working with companies like Gas Networks Ireland continues to have a positive impact on our student’s educational journeys, guiding them towards considering potential careers in the energy sector.”
Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland was appointed as a champion for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications as part of the SDG Ireland Champions Programme. In addition to the ‘World of Work’ programme, Gas Networks Ireland also collaborates with BITCI in delivering the ‘Time to Count’ numeracy programme for primary schools nationwide. These programmes support progress towards Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and Goal 4: Quality Education, while the Sustainability content in the ‘World of Work’ programme (developed through Gas Networks Ireland’s sponsorship) supports progress on Goal 13: Climate Action.
