Gallery

Oakland Community College hosted a "Who wants to be a Millionaire" quiz to help them understand key terms in career research.
Oaklands CC were very grateful to both Rory Egan and Leanne Mallen, two transition year students who mentored these students in the hot seat quiz!!

A unique and valuable experience for NCAD Fashion Student, Anna Buzan, who job shadowed fashion designer Louise Kennedy. Kennedy is internationally recognised as one of Ireland's most successful designers with a reputation for creating clothes appreciated for their sophistication and quality of design. Anna got a rare chance at an insider view of Kennedy's flagship store and studio. 'Paddy’, the in-house canine advisor, also joined in on the shoot!

With kind thanks to Louise Kennedy and her team for facilitating this exciting job shadow!

The Galway Mayo Institute of Technology gave two talks today about the various courses on offer in both Castlebar and Mayo.
We were delighted to have Joanne Doherty, a lecturer in Social Care speaking about Early Childhood Education. Also we had Noirin Henry, who spoke about Digital Media and its place in society.

Diploma in Complementary Therapies students from Galway Technical Institute in Galway City, offered treatments in Reflexology and Holistic Massage for a donation to raise funds for Jigsaw Galway. A great idea to promote support for young people with mental health during CAW week!

The Diploma in Beauty students offered treatments such as facials, massages and manicures as a further way to raise funds for Jigsaw youth services.

Assumption Secondary School in Walkinstown hosted a past pupil College Fair in their school. A huge number turned up to share their experiences of college, different courses and taking on an apprenticeship. Others shared what it is like moving into the workplace.

An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC) Class of 2016/17

The An Cosán VCC Presentation of Awards took place at St Catherine's Church, Dublin 8 on 25th November 2017. Thirty-four students attended the awards representing a total of 167 students from 13 counties across Ireland who engaged in blended online community education last year. Congratulations to all the students who are very much ‘College Aware’.

Releasing Potential: Educational Opportunities for Young People in Care

Children, young people, carers and professionals attended this session on post-secondary educational opportunities for young people in care run by the School of Social Work and Social Policy in TCD.

Mount Carmel Secondary School paid a visit to the GPO Witness History Museum today. In addition to their tour of the Museum, the 5th year students heard talks by PhD Candidate, James Curry and Aimee Plunkett who recently completed her Masters with a special interest in Women’s History. Students were given insights in to the ‘college paths’ James and Aimee took and gave great advice to the 5th year students on ways to make their college dreams a reality. Also in attendance from Mount Carmel Secondary School were staff members: Keith Ó Sioráin, Guidance Counsellor, Sally Meehan, SNA and Deborah Farrington, History Teacher. Another excellent event for College Awareness Week!

With thanks to Education Manager Ann-Marie Smith of the GPO Witness History Museum for the warm welcome and for facilitating this special event.

Nearly 300 5th & 6th class children were invited to Trinity College for a morning of fun and celebrations after a week of CAW activities where they explored college life, as well as making individual College ID’s and Graduation hats. Representatives from each school made a presentation and Vice-Provost, Chris Morash gave an inspirational speech to those present commending the young students and their teachers for participation in this unique event.

Old Bawn Community School in Tallaght is a great supporter of CAW every year, so hardly a surprise when they turn up trumps for 2017. A customised CAW flag, a CollegeAware instagram frame and a 'Graduate' mural are all part of their activities. Maith sibh go léir, and special thanks to 6th Year student Sarah Swan for the excellent photos!

An unusual event in the Science Gallery, Dublin - ‘Beautiful Ruin: Apocalypses in Culture’ - saw three experts focusing on the beauty and the devastation of the apocalyptic in art and culture. The Gallery, which aims to show us the art in science and the science in art, proves that you don't necessarily have to choose between these two areas of study, but can combine them for a worthwhile career. The three speakers, Ailise Bulfin, Teaching Fellow in Victorian and Modern Literature at UCD, Declan Shalvey, award-winning artist of the graphic novel series INJECTION written by Warren Ellis, and Harvey O’Brien, assistant professor of Film at the UCD School of English, Drama, and Film, outlined their own education and training and showed that even ruin and apocalypse are no barriers for those who are truly College Aware!

Students in attendance at the College Awareness Expo event at St Colman's Community College, Midleton, Cork

On a visit to Enniscorthy VTOS, Co-ordinator Eithne Agar outlined that ‘College Awareness Week’ will now become a regular feature of their calendar year. A huge effort was made by Eithne Agar and Aisling O’ Brien of Wexford College to promote this key event for current and prospective students alike. Agar explained that events like this engender conditions for forging invaluable links going forward with institutions such as Wexford College /Carlow IT. A panel of speakers ranging from lecturers at Wexford Campus, past students from Enniscorthy Further Education and Training Centre as well as current students at Wexford Campus relayed insightful accounts and advice to current and prospective students.

This ‘College Awareness Week’ has seen student, Stephanie Vilaca from CBS Westland Row on one week’s work experience at Dublin’s museum and tourist attraction EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Located in Dublin’s Docklands, CHQ Building and one of Dublin’s newest tourist attractions, EPIC tells the story of the 70 million worldwide who claim Irish descent. The museum is both a commemoration and celebration of the story of Irish emigration.

Under the guidance of Geraldine Brooks - Head of Operations and Retail, Rory Cummins - Visitor Experience Team Leader and Museum staff, Stephanie has gained valuable insights into the day-to-day running of the Museum, garnering opportunities to engage with the museums outstanding exhibits as well as interacting with colleagues and visitors alike in this unique tourist attraction.

20th Nov: Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor launches College Awareness Week with unveiling of murals on the walls of Dún Laoghaire Further Education Institute to encourage greater engagement with further and higher education. A balloon release was also held to signify the beginning of the campaign.

Mark O’Connell from St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow undertook a job shadow with master wood turner Roger Bennett. Roger began by discussing his practice and influences, and then showed Mark some pieces, discussing design, techniques and finishes. Then Roger gave Mark a sense of his workspace and the various tools he uses to create his stunning designs.

Many thanks to Roger Bennett for his hospitality and invaluable information exchange!

Students Jen Maguire Donohue and Jordean O'Brien enjoyed a CAW job shadow with Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) on Tuesday November 21st 2017. Jen is a fourth year Law student at TCD while Jordean is studying law, psychology, sociology and politics through the Trinity Access Programme.

St. Kevin's in Dunlavin were delighted to welcome John and Neil from the Sisk Group to come in and talk to the students about apprenticeships and careers in the Construction Industry for Day 3 of College Awareness Week

This year's CDETB FET EXPO took place at the Media Building, at the College of Further Education, Ballyfermot. It was an ideal fair for students looking to find out about courses and support services provided by colleges as well as garner key information on the access routes for those with disabilities.

A flying visit this morning to observe Patricia Deac, a 6th Year student of Stanhope St School as she undertook her exciting job shadow with talented Jeweller, Breda Haugh.

With thanks to Breda Haugh for her hospitality and valuable information exchange.

Michelle Sarsfield, who recently graduated from the University of Limerick in Performing Arts came in to talk about what the course is about.
Also, Dr. Ken Monaghan & Dr. Jerry Bird came in to discuss the “Life and Environmental Sciences” course in IT Sligo
Thanks to all for giving their time, and its only Day 2!!

Students at Coláiste Bríde, New Road, Clondalkin designed College Aware posters to celebrate the launch of College Awareness week at their school. Students utilised prospectuses from various Higher Education Institutions as a resource for their inspiring posters.

Students at St Aidan's Community School Brookfield Tallaght Launch their ‘Alumni Wall’ as part of their activities for College Awareness Week. Past pupil, Keith O'Connor, who is now Head of IT at CPL also gave some inspirational talks on the economics of staying in school.

As one of the events to kick off College Awareness Week, 2017, Dr. Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles St welcomed two job shadow students: Jenna Brady, St Mary's Holy Faith, Killester and Naomi Bodiu, St Joseph's Rush.

Students from Mount St. Michael's enjoyed listening to past pupils Niamh Ruane & Sarah Johnson who are studying midwifery and engineering in NUIG, and dropped in today to talk about life and opportunities in college.

Perrigo's Liana Unger, Manager, Global Corporate Compliance & Privacy and Peter Daly, Channel Manager (Hospitals) visited Loreto Crumlin for a careers day preview of College Awareness Week and talk to the students about their education and career paths. We hear it was an inspiring day for the students - thanks Perrigo!

MINISTER RICHARD BRUTON TD LAUNCHES COLLEGE AWARENESS WEEK 2017!!
We were very honoured to have the Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, launch College Awareness Week 2017 at the Department of Education and Skills. There he said “I am delighted to support CAW 2017. This is a very positive initiative which has, as its aim, a vital objective: to increase participation in higher and further education by those from socially disadvantaged communities”.

Students from Mount St Michael in Claremorris enjoyed CAW!

The Children's House Montessori and NUIM (Maynooth University) had some fun for College Awareness Week!

St Joseph's Secondary School, Rush had a lot of fun with their CAW16 activities!

Students at St Paul's Waterford get tips about health and fitness from Waterford native, Operation Transformation's Aoife Hearne

CAW16 Activities at Blessington Community College, part of KWETB

Children, young people, carers and professionals attended this session on post-secondary educational opportunities for young people in care run by the School of Social Work and Social Policy in TCD.

Senator Lynn Ruane welcomed job shadow Michael Dodd Kinsella on a busy day in the Oireachtas.

Nearly 300 5th & 6th class children were invited to Trinity College for a morning of fun and celebrations after a week of CAW activities. They showcased their learning and were presented with graduation certificates.

Dundrum College of Further Education ran a Techatron for local schools during CAW16

Students at Carndonagh Community School in Donegal researched a project called Who Went Where about past pupils and their college and career paths

Dyslexia Ireland ran a workshop on doing essays and assignments in college

Three students shadowed the IHREC Chief Commissioner Emily Logan

Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital at Holles St, shares her working day with two students

AHEAD's 2016 fair for students with disabilities took place at UCD, - CAW was there.

Photo highlights of CAW16: Galway Technical Institute; St Joseph's, Rush; St Kilian's, Bray; Youthreach Ballaghadereen and many more!

Our youngest CAW champions act out a graduation day!

College Awareness Week is customised at Dunboyne College in County Meath!

Events for CAW 2016 at St Angela's College, Sligo, a college of the National University of Ireland, Galway

The Hombu Dojo karate club in Ranelagh made all their students College Aware with talks and training.

Students from St Joseph's Secondary School, Rush were treated to a Real Life Apprenticeship Day at Baldoyle Training Centre

College Awareness Week 2016 launches with colour and clear vision at Tallaght Library in the company of local schools and IoTs, the Lord Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr Guss O'Connell and guest of honour Senator Lynne Ruane - along with Trinity Jugglers!

Children from Drimnagh Castle and City Quay primary schools in Dublin researched a project on leading figures of the 1916 Rising and their education/career background. The projects are on display in the GPO from 18/11/2016 to 27/11/2016.

Some of the 50 volunteers from Trinity College Dublin who did a training day to be CAW ambassadors, visiting schools in every county in Ireland during College Awareness Week to spread the message that a post-secondary plan is possible for everyone!

All the thrills of the circus in our great pics from the photo-call at the Dept of Education and Skills to remind everyone that CAW is six weeks away! The Minister, Richard Bruton joined sponsors AIB and Perrigo and many CAW supporters in the company of Trinity Jugglers to send CAW on its way. Have you logged you event yet?

There are hundreds of events happening all around Ireland for College Awareness Week 2015. Look at all the fun happening as CAW ripples through Ireland...

Thank you to the Tánaiste Joan Burton for officially launching College Awareness Week this morning at DIT Grangegorman. It was a wonderful morning filled with excitement and encouraging words about how College Awareness Week is positively influencing and engaging students across Ireland to be college aware and focusing on their future education.

Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O'Sullivan launched CAW15 on campus at Limerick College of Further Education today (23rd Nov)

St Marks Community School Tallaght created an art display called ‘A Step in the Right Direction’ for our College Awareness Week launch. Each student has traced around their own footprints made out of recycled cardboard. These images have been placed on to the footprints of the careers which they would like to undertake in the future.

Celebrity Job Shadow Day gives students a chance to explore and experience a life in the day of a successful leader in their area of interest.
Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital (Holles Street) hosted Luke Doyle from Donahies (D13) Community School. Also Siobhan Parkinson, Author, hosted Maya Flynn from Dominican College (Wicklow)

A Graduation ceremony for 11 schools from Dublin who have taken part in a week of activities around College Awareness Week.

Smiling faces from all around Ireland showing they are College Aware with our cool CAW selfie frame

This year's Better Options College Fair for students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties took place in DIT Grangegorman on Nov 26th 2015. It was an ideal fair for students looking to find out about courses and support services provided by colleges as well as garner key information on the access routes for those with disabilities.

Oct 2015 - photo call with the Minister for Education & Skills Jan O'Sullivan. Also pictured: Sponsors AIB & Perrigo, Partners NAPD & HEA, Students from Westland Row Secondary School, Dublin; Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin; and the Trinity College Foundation Course

So many events and photos happen BEFORE CAW15 starts. Here is a snapshot of the pre-CAW action.

Thanks to Mr. Gerry Brown (Principal), Ms Heney & her 3rd Class students at St Mary's Senior School in Blessington (Wicklow) for participating in College Awareness Week. It was great fun to make student ID cards, create graduation caps and learn about pathways to college.

Also featured is the Meet Trinity Teddy arts & story time at the Blessington Library. The children had a great time listening to a story, colouring, making graduation caps and student ID cards. A fun family day!

Greenhills & Drogheda Grammar School are very busy setting up for College Awareness Week at the Boomerang Youth Café

Portlaoise College hosted a careers event (Wednesday 25th of November) where a variety of universities and ITs were in attendance.

Sean Mulholland, 6th Year Student from Beneavin De La Salle College, produced an amazing video as part of College Awareness Week activities. Here are some photos that include Kathleen O'Toole-Brennan, Founder of CAW along with Dr Aideen Cassidy, Principal & Joseph Leonard, Deputy Principal

Pre-schoolers from Miss Rachel’s Montessori School Sligo will creatively express their interpretation of third level. The children will create a pathway of their own individual footprints representing the journey to third level. They are also producing their own individual college ID cards, graduation caps and enjoying ‘creative story time’ whereby they imagine their future career!
Photos taken by ©  James Connolly 23NOV15

Slingshot event held in conjunction with College Awareness Week 2015 at the National Gallery of Ireland.

College Olympic fun at Nagle Community College in Cork

Photos taken by OneVision Multimedia

RCSI- 'See it, Do it!' event for CAW15
Second level students from RCSI’s local community of South East Inner City Dublin will have the opportunity to work in the RCSI laboratory with RCSI staff/students to conduct mandatory practical experiments from the Leaving Certificate Biology curriculum.

In addition to gaining valuable hands-on experience of experiments, participants will also be given information on opportunities available at RCSI, careers in science and get a real insight into life at college.

"See it, Do it” Leaving Certificate Biology Practical Series is an initiative of the REACH RCSI Programme, Community Outreach and Access Programme of RCSI.

These photos show students having a look at our "Who went where?" photo exhibition illustrating where all our LC and LCA students of 2015 went to college and what they're doing.

One photo shows an example from our Alumni Alma Mater project where TY students surveyed our teachers to find out where they went to college. Then they obtained all the relevant college logos and designed colour posters for all teacher's classroom doors. They finally laminated the posters and affixed them to the doors last Friday in time for CAW.

The Taste of TAP event aims to give prospective applicants for the course an idea of what studying in TAP is like, with a range of lecture and workshops in different subject areas.

Great events happening at Grennan College for College Awareness Week

Ballymun Initiative for Third Level Education (BITE) and Trinity Comprehensive School hosted a ‘Speed Careers’ event as part of College Aware week on Friday 27th November.

Our event took place in Trinity Comprehensive School with Transition Year and 5th year students. There was a ‘speed dating’ format during which students had three minutes to talk to a diverse group of professionals who have completed a college course or students currently in college.

1st year students made their own College ID cards while 2nd and 3rd year students did some work on their Dream Job/Career during SPHE & CSPE lessons. First year Art students made Graduation Hats and each day, we had a 'College of the Day', whereby details of each College were read out over the school tannoy by various students and teachers.

Transition Year students completed Career Interest and Personality Surveys using careersportal.ie and qualifax.ie