A Wicklow graduate is empowering students to explore green skills, build confidence and consider subjects for their future studies and careers while working with operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, EirGrid.
Suzanne Jackson from Baltinglass is a business studies graduate of Dublin City University who has been working with students from Ellenfield Community College in Whitehall, Dublin, in addition to her other work on the EirGrid graduate programme and her MSc in Sustainability and Enterprise in UCC.
Over the course of the school year, monthly workshops are held with second-year students from Ellenfield Community College, covering topics such as renewable energy, sustainability awareness, areas of study and presentation skills.
Students are encouraged to think critically about environmental issues and the variety of ways they can make a difference, and making a difference was very much on display at Dollymount Strand in Dublin recently, where EirGrid staff and students from the college undertook a beach clean.
Suzanne said: “As a graduate who found my passion in sustainability, I am delighted to be able to share with students the opportunities in this space, both in school, through hobbies and into potential careers.
“It is important to foster a sense of responsibility and empowerment to the younger generation so they can make choices towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. This year marks the twelfth year of partnership between EirGrid and Ellenfield Community College, providing students with ongoing support and guidance throughout the academic year.