Public Jobs Schools Resource Kit

Public Appointments Service launches schools programme to spark student interest in public sector careers

The Public Appointments Service, through its website publicjobs.ie, has launched a new programme for second-level students that aims to spark interest in the wide variety of career opportunities that are available across the public sector. The Public Jobs Schools Resource Kit presents information about public sector careers in a new way for guidance counsellors and other teachers, to build confidence around discussing career options in the public sector with students and their parents.

From official launch in the Botanic Gardens with Minister Michael McGrath, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Shirley Comerford, CEO, Public Appointments Service and students from Mount Carmel Secondary School and St Mary’s Holy Faith Glasnevin and employee volunteers from across the public sector.

The initiative is a ‘pick up and teach’ resource that speaks to the curriculum and is accessible online. The Resource Kit contains six lesson plans, covering diverse career paths and entry routes to the public sector, as well as employee videos that bring lesser-known roles to life. These include a Customs dog handler with Revenue; an economist at the Department of Education; a tour guide at the National Botanic Gardens (Office of Public Works); and an emergency medical controller with the National Ambulance Service.

Chief Executive Officer at the Public Appointments Service, Shirley Comerford said: “More than 350,000 people are employed in the public sector in Ireland. It is a wonderful career option that offers the opportunity to contribute positively to Irish life and the society in which we live. In addition, the sector offers clear career progression, as well as ongoing opportunities for upskilling. Despite this, feedback from teachers was that they did not feel equipped with the information to inform their students about career options and paths into the public sector, or to explain progression paths and grade structures. This project was developed, in consultation with guidance counsellors, other teachers and students, to address this requirement. It presents a real opportunity for us to demystify the public sector for students, and to encourage them to consider a career in the public sector as we continue to develop a talented, diverse public sector that reflects the diversity of Irish society.”

The Resource Kit is free to use and can be found on a dedicated schools microsite on publicjobs.ie and is available in both Irish and English. Students will also have the opportunity to pitch a career in the public sector to their peers and a panel of judges as part of an advertising challenge to be launched in 2022.

Register for the Public Jobs Schools mailing list to receive key info and updates about the Kit and student advertising challenge straight to your inbox.