Graduate reaps the benefits of Work Placement Programme
James Masterson, a young graduate from Tipperary Institute, spent the past four months getting some practical hands on experience of the Rural Development Programme with North Tipperary LEADER Partnership, on the FAS Work Placement Programme. This week, the Leitrim native takes up a full time post with a sister company, Fingal LEADER Partnership, based in Swords Co. Dublin.
According to James, who holds a BA in Rural Development, ‘I was on Jobseekers Allowance for over a year. The rejection letters were starting to stack up. I didn’t even get as far as the interview stage once. The FAS Employment Officer in Carrick on Shannon encouraged me to get work experience on the FAS Work Placement Programme.’
This is an unpaid internship type programme offering graduates practical work experience. James emphasized the confidence that he gained, help him secure interviews for paid positions.
‘I firmly believe that my commitment to moving across the country to take up unpaid work experience made the difference to me even getting an interview’. ‘I’m looking forward to starting my post in Swords and would encourage people to examine the opportunities under the programme.’ James made special mention of staff in FAS and in the Department of Social Protection and singled out staff at North Tipperary LEADER Partnership in particular for their invaluable help and advice.
John Carroll, Chairman, commended Mr Masterson for relocating from Leitrim to Nenagh in April to take advantage of the work experience. ‘He gained a valuable insight into the day to day running of a number of Rural Development type programmes, right through from project proposal stage to final completion. John added that ‘James had attended all evaluation meetings and made a marvelous contribution to assessing project applications.’
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership were one of the few companies in the country at the time that were availing of the programme. The company currently have four graduates ranging from Youth Work positions, Rural Development Programme Support and administration support.
4th September 2010 Nenagh Guardian Newspaper
Photo by Fergal Shanahan
Pictured on the last day of his placement in front of the Olympic monuments in the grounds of Nenagh Court House are from left, John Cahill, Chair Rural Development Committee, North Tipperary LEADER Partnership, Annette McCarthy, Senior Development Officer, FAS, James Masterson
Background from left are: Ronan Gleeson, Project Officer, Gearoid Fitzgibbon, Community Development Officer, Sean Crowley, Rural Development Manager (All North Tipperary LEADER Partnership)
‘I just completed the first week of the placement and while I’m very tired from it, the placement is everything I hoped for. The finance manager is going through the ACCA training matrix with me, so I can tick off as much as possible during the 9 months.’
Ray (Cost Accountant Placement)
‘I am having a great time, gaining lots of experience and getting exposure to systems and software that I have never worked with before.’
Martin (Junior Systems Analyst/Developer Placement)
‘After participating in WPP I have found a career in a firm in which I am very happy.I would highly recommend the programme.My advice is that in this current climate the most important thing is to build your CV, ensure there are no gaps as far as possible, to build on your experience and to get your name out there.’
Joan (Pensions and Investment Administrator Placement)
