Introduction
Through the Programme, close contact is maintained with employers so as to define the current and future requirements for expertise. Such contacts can be utilised by the University in the planning of curricula and the development of postgraduate collaborative research, thus helping to ensure that the relevance of University’s academic programmes is maintained. The Service also informs the University about the issues relating to graduate and postgraduate career development.
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What we offer
The Service is undertaken as an integral part of the academic programme and completion of the placement is a prerequisite for graduation. Consequently, the Service supports the strategic objectives of the University in its endeavours to produce a relevant graduate expertise by providing a practical learning environment for students, which complements the theoretical element of their academic programmes. ‘Providing a learning environment which enables graduates to develop fulfilling careers and contribute effectively to the communities and societies with which they become associated.’
In order to facilitate this process, the following services are provided:-
- Contact is maintained with an extensive range of Irish and international employers as part of our commitment to promote Cooperative Education and graduate employment opportunities for UL students. We provide facilities on campus for presentations and
interviews
- A close working relationship can be established and maintained between the University and its network of employers. Such contacts provide an important feedback mechanism to define the current and future requirements for graduate and postgraduate
expertise.
- The employer network can provide an insight to the University in the planning of curricula, thus helping to ensure the relevance of its academic programmes is maintained.
- The involvement of employers in the Cooperative Education programme can result in the development of collaborative postgraduate research.
- Support for the University’s marketing drive to attract new students by providing data on Cooperative Education placements and participating in Open Days.
- Support for the University’s Access initiative through the provision of customised services to meet the needs of students with disabilities and other under-represented groups.
- Through our management of the Service, raise the profile of the University with employers and ensure they value our graduates.
- Support Departments by providing the information necessary to arrange Cooperative Education visits, thereby introducing them to valuable external employer
contacts.
- Support for Departments in reviewing existing courses or designing new courses, by providing accurate and timely information about the employment record of UL students, employer feedback and intelligence on labour market trends and requirements.
- Contribution to the academic planning process of the University through participation in Faculty Boards and representation on a range of other committees.
- Provision of information relating to the Cooperative Education selection process.
- Contribution to internal and external University publications.
- Support activities of Careers Service by supporting training initiatives and providing student consultations.
- Participate in campus itineraries for visiting groups of employers, development agencies and international groups.
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How to contact us
- Address: Cooperative Education & Careers Division, University of Limerick
- Website: www.ul.ie/coop/coop (for e-mail addresses of members of staff)
- Telephone: (061) 202044
- Fax: (061) 330976
- Hours of business: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday
Location
The main office of the Cooperative Education & Careers Division is in Room EO 005, Block E, Level O.
The location of the individual offices of the Cooperative Eduation Managers is provided on the website and the information is on display inside the main office E0005.
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What you can expect from us
The Cooperative Education & Careers Division is an integral part of the University, and plays a key role in ensuring the employability of UL students. The University is entitled to expect:-
- Well-informed and professional members of staff who provide important links between the University and external employer organisations
- Labour market intelligence relating to, for example, employer requirements, skills needs, graduate recruitment trends.
- Accurate and current information on the employment record of UL students
- A programme of services which enhance the employment prospects of UL students.
What we can expect from you
We depend on you to help us to provide the most effective possible service. You can help by:-
- Completing assigned Cooperative Education visits and conveying issues which arise during students’ placement to relevant Cooperative Education Manager
- Returning graded Cooperative Education reports, in a timely manner
- Nominating students who excel in their placements for the Cooperative Education Award.
- Involving the Service in the curriculum design and programme review mechanisms to ensure that the employability needs of students are represented
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How we can act on your behalf
The Service has an extensive range of external contacts which can be of considerable benefit to the University. This allows us to:-
- Represent the University nationally and internationally with respect to organisations such as HEA Committees, AGCSI, AGCAS, FEDORA, EAIE.
- Promote the University facilities, expertise and programmes to a range of external constituencies such as IDA, Shannon Development and other development agencies.
- Raise the profile of the University by providing articles, interviews and employment data to the media.
- Support fund-raising initiatives by providing information on potential employer contacts and responding to employer interest in sponsoring University initiatives.
The limitations of our service
The scope of the Service activities is determined by the level of resources committed by the University.
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