November NUI Galway’s Access Centre and Grant Thornton Galway Launch Professional Engagement Module

NUI Galway’s Access Centre and professional services firm Grant Thornton recently launched a Professional Engagement Module (PEM), a new and experiential module of learning. This experiential based model of learning focuses on the selection and engagement of professional Mentors and Access Students, (Mature and School Leavers) in the participation of a specifically designed eight-week module of structured interactive learning.

As a result of taking part in the programme, students gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills and increase their career readiness. It is a combination of mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices, and workshops that combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers.

Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner with Grant Thornton, said: “Grant Thornton recognises the responsibility for the social impact we have on the community we work and live in and as a firm is committed to making a real difference in the community. Grant Thornton is delighted to be involved with NUI Galway’s Access Programme.”

The Access Programmes, which Grant Thornton has become involved with, target students in the community who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of social and economic reasons, are under-represented at third level.

Designing and leading the initiative for NUI Galway, Dr Mary Surlis said: “Grant Thornton PEM offers a very exciting opportunity to our students to engage in a professional setting, and to experience the support and encouragement of dedicated committed professionals, this will benefit our students enormously.”

-Ends-