TY students splash into science at the Marine Institute

Twenty-five Transition Year (TY) students from Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Clare, Kildare, Carlingford, Dublin and Sligo were welcomed to the Marine Institute's sixth annual TY week programme (24th – 28th February 2020). Students had the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering and communication through a range of activities at the Marine Institute's headquarters in Oranmore, Galway.

Students participated in interactive activities related to marine fisheries and chemical science, seabed mapping, food safety, communications, research vessel operations, oceanography, climate change, engineering technology, maritime development, information technology with data and coding as well as teambuilding. The TY programme enables students to shadow scientists and staff at the Marine Institute and experience what it is like to work in the marine sector.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute said, "Our TY programme provides an insight into the diverse career opportunities on offer in Ireland's marine sector, and inspire the next generation of marine professionals and ocean leaders. Increasing student's knowledge and engagement on the importance of our marine resource, is key to supporting Ireland's ocean economy, where highly-skilled professionals are needed in the future."

Catherine Quigley-Johnston, HR Manager at the Marine Institute said, "The demand for our TY programme is growing every year and it is great to see such a strong interest in science, technology and the environment and that many are considering pursuing careers in our marine and maritime sectors at this stage of their education. Alongside the interest and enthusiasm from our students, the passion and knowledge shared by our teams involved in delivering the content helps make the TY programme a success."

Encouraging a new generation to pursue marine and maritime careers is an initiative of the Marine Institute's Strategic Plan 2018-2022: Building Ocean Knowledge, Delivering Ocean Services. Ireland's national marine plan, Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, also highlights the need for education and training programmes to maintain and develop skilled professionals in the marine sector.

Please note that all places for the 2020 programme have been allocated. Transition year students from any school in Ireland are welcome to apply for this week-long, full-time programme at the Marine Institute for 2021. The application process for the 2021 programme will begin in September 2020. Further details will be available later this year.

ENDS