We are fortunate to have developed links for our Transition Years with FET. This includes training in Barista and Culinary. This year, thirty of our students will receive City and Guild Certification as Baristas. This is an internationally recognised certification which will enable them to acquire jobs all over the world if they so wish. A number of our students will also receive Culinary training from a qualified Chef each Wednesday over eight weeks. These courses are often the highlight of the year for many students and as well as the skills they acquire they have great fun participating in the courses.
Work Experience
Work experience is an integral part of the year. Students complete a two week work placement after Christmas. This may be two separate placements or one placement for the fortnight. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience . A number of students may also participate in extra work experience in specific TY placements such as the Army, Guards. Limerick Youth Theatre, Regeneron, Analog etc. We encourage our Transition years to apply for as many work experiences as possible . This allows them to see what’s involved in different careers as well as developing skills. Students are also encouraged to participate in virtual work experience during the year.
Community Placement
During the Year TYS participate in a 10 week SVP programme. As well as looking at social Justice and at the work SVP are involved in Students also have an opportunity to work for a number of days in the local SVP shop The course along with this placement ensures that students receive a positive and meaningful experience in volunteering and social justice.
Mini Company/Markets
All Students participate in a Mini Company. This involves them coming up with a product or service with their team. Students will produce, market and sell their products in the school at TY Halloween and Christmas markets. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the Limerick City and County TY Market at the Milk Market in Limerick City. This leads to great competition between the different Companies and Students divide the profits amongst Company members at the end.
Voluntary Inspired Participation (VIP)
For the last number of years one of our TYS has undergone a selection process for the Limerick Sport’s Partnership Programme , VIP. This is a year long programme where the student attends the UL Sports Arena in UL every Monday and are given the opportunity to gain nationally recognised sports coaching qualifications and also attend many health related workshops.
Competitions
Our TYs are encouraged and supported in preparing for Competitions that are relevant to them. These Competitions help students to develop presentation, digital, research, communication and innovation skills. They can vary from year to year but In 2025 TYs entered BT Young Scientist, Limerick City and County Enterprise Competition, Vex Robotics, National Career Skills Competition and Design a Sustainable Village in Ireland for 2050.
Leadership and empathy building
Transition Year Students participate in an eight week Lift Programme. This initiative aims to increase the level of positive leadership capabilities in Ireland. Tys also take part in Narrative 4 training where they practice empathy through story telling. Many of our TYS are volunteers for our first year mentoring programme in the school. As part of their Gaisce challenges students also prepare shoeboxes as a gift for the homeless in Limerick
Event Management
Planning and helping to host various school events is an integral part of the TY Programme. The TY Event Management Programme helps students to develop skills to do this. As part of this programme the class also has a guest speaker from TUS Event Management Staff. They often organise a fundraiser for charity as part of this programme. They play a big role in advertising, marketing and fundraising for the School Annual Musical
Road Safety Awareness
During the Year TYS hold a road safety week as part of their 10 week safety module where they have road safety talks. In 2025 the Class visited the Road Safety Shuttle in Thomond Park. For the last number of years Martin Ryan and sons trucks have visited the school and explained safety issues around high vehicles. Jaguar land Rover also visited the school. Another highlight of the week was the driving lesson that each student received. Students also had a practice run at the Driving theory test.
Workshops and Trips
Transition Year participate in bowling, golf and many sporting activities during the year. Workshop they have enjoyed over the years include forensic fun, creative writing, poetry slam, dance etc. Dublin, Galway and Cork are usually visited as part of the Programme. The overnight Gaisce trip for 2025 is to the Outdoor Adventure Centre in Kilfinane , Co Limerick where they will climb the Ballyhoura hills for their challenge. This year we were fortunate to be able to avail of workshops in The Office of the Ombudsman in Dublin and The Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Corbally. Transition Years have the opportunity to complete a basic First Aid Course during the year. The successful completion of the days training results in students obtaining a First Aid Cert.