Annual Report 2023 Entire Book - Flipbook - Page 169
Collaboration with Enterprise and Employers
Action 4.A.1
Overview:
Several activities have been undertaken by PPLI in collaboration with employers and the enterprise sector to
highlight to students the significance of language skills, emphasising their relevance in professional contexts.
Main Aims:
•
Increase awareness among students about the importance of language skills in business, enterprise, and
diverse career paths, and include employers in this endeavour
•
Offer opportunities for students to witness firsthand how languages are utilised in real-world business
settings
•
Engage with industry stakeholders to understand current perceptions and discuss the necessity of
language skills in today's workforce, as well as encourage growth in work experience opportunities for
students learning languages
•
Validate and recognise language skills through enterprise competitions and events, fostering motivation
and confidence among students
Activity:
Collaboration with the Department of Foreign Afairs (DFA)
In 2023, PPLI collaborated with the DFA on several activities which were mutually supportive. At relevant
events targeting post-primary students, career opportunities within the European Union (EU) and the
importance of language skills for EU strategies were discussed with students, and materials were carried on
behalf of the DFA. On occasions that PPLI did not have capacity to attend relevant events, the DFA carried
Languages Connect material to support their conversations and promote the benefits of language skills for
careers.
The DFA also came on board with #ThinkLanguages, providing the prize for the Champion Team Competition,
which included a trip to Brussels to experience and envisage what a career within the EU could look like.
Insights into language-related career paths within the EU were highlighted and shared through targeted
content and materials developed by PPLI for #ThinkLanguages. One of the keynote speakers for the
#ThinkLanguages opening ceremony was also a DFA staff member working in Brussels.
Programs with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI)
PPLI partnered with BITCI for #ThinkLanguages to enable students to participate in programs where they
could observe how languages are integrated into various business operations. For #ThinkLanguages, students
had the opportunity to either visit a relevant business during the week or talk to enterprises about how
languages are used within their day-to-day operations. Online opportunities were also made available where
students could learn remotely and ask questions about languages within the workplace. This activity
facilitated interactions between students and industry professionals to gain practical insights into language
use in enterprise settings.
- PPLI ANNUAL REPORT 2023 -
169
