News
Students learn real life business skills
THINK BUSINESS: Transition Year students from Killarney Community College explored M&S on their site visit for Business in the Community 2020 last week.
By Michelle Crean
Local students got a unique insight into how one major retailer runs its store as part of the Schools’ Business Partnership.
Teens from Transition Year in Killarney Community College paid a visit to Marks and Spencer with their teacher Ms. McCarthy last week to learn how the multi-million euro business runs.
Killarney Community College has been partnered with Marks & Spencer, Killarney for over 10 years, Ms. McCarthy explained.
“Throughout the morning the students received an informative talk from Manager Paul Daly who explained to them the product life cycle of some of their products and how the business is run on a daily basis,” she said.
“The students asked questions and went around the store with Retail Manager Donal Casey. They were brought through the storage rooms, cold rooms and freezer area and learned what every room and appliance does and about the produce that they store.”
The students were also shown the IT side of things and learned how the freezer and cold rooms are operated. He explained to the students when a delivery is received and the steps that happen next in order for it to be available on the shop floor whether it is in the fashion or food hall department.
And since St Valentine's Day is around the corner the students with a budget of €150 were set a challenge to dress a mannequin for a date. Head of Fashion, Noreen Lyne, assisted the students with her first hand expertise.
“The Skills at Work Programme provides our students with an unique experience into the world of work,” Ms. McCarthy said.
“Over five sessions, our students are provided with the opportunity to learn about the partnering company and its business and to consider career and further study options available to them when they finish school.”


