TY students dive into marine science at the Marine Institute

Keelin Molloy, Galway and Lola Sweeny, Dublin attend the Marine Institute's fourth Transition Year training week at the Marine Institute in Galway, where they are getting hands on experience in marine science, research, engineering and technology. Photograph Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Marine Institute.

To mark Engineering Week, the Marine Institute is delighted to once again host its annual Transition Year training week (24th February – 02nd March 2018). Now in its fourth year, the Marine Institute’s TY Training Week is a unique,  hands-on programme, for TY students who have an interest in marine science, research, engineering and technology. The programme is designed to give students from all over Ireland the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in the marine sector. This year 21 transition year students from Dublin, Meath, Mayo, Galway, Clare and Leitrim will be spending the week in the Marine Institute headquarters in Oranmore, Galway.

The TY students will have the opportunity to shadow scientists and staff at the Marine Institute. Scientists and staff from the Marine Institute, welcome the opportunity to share their passion and insights across a wide range of areas of marine science and maritime sectors at the Institute.

As an island nation, Ireland offers a vibrant and competitive marine sector.  The career opportunities are as broad as they are exciting and include marine science, engineering, technology, food safety, maritime development, oceanography, climate change and communications.

 Speaking about the training week, Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute said, "Ireland's marine sector is a vibrant part of our national economy and the need for education in the marine sector at all levels is highlighted by Ireland's Integrated Marine Plan Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.  Increasing the student's knowledge and engagement with marine careers in science, technology and innovation, as well as the sustainable development and management of our marine resource, is key to support Ireland's ocean economy, where highly qualified and skilled professionals are needed in the coming years."

"With the training week fully booked out, we are delighted to see the increased levels of interest in the marine.  Our TY Week programme aims to ensure a diverse and well-educated generation of marine scientists and researchers for the future," explained Catherine Quigley-Johnston, HR manager, Marine Institute.

Ms Quigley-Johnston added, "The feedback from students confirms the need for industry and third level institutes, as well as state agencies to promote training and access for young people in marine and maritime careers. The training programme also highlights the effort and willingness of the Institute's staff to share their areas of expertise with the younger generations. This is what helps makes TY training weeks so successful."

Please note that all places for the 2018 programme have been allocated. Transition year students from any school in Ireland are welcome to apply for this week-long, full-time work experience opportunity at the Marine Institute for 2019. The application process for the 2019 programme will begin in September 2018. Further details will be available later this year. 

 ENDS