1 May 2025 – St Mary’s University College, Belfast

St Mary’s University College welcomed final year students to its annual Employability Conference on Wednesday 30 April 2025, offering a full day of practical preparation, professional insight and valuable guidance as students look ahead to their first steps into the teaching profession.

Held in the new College Hall, the conference opened with a welcome and orientation from the Principal, Professor Peter Finn.  Dr Donna Hazzard provided an overview on Postgraduate Opportunities in Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) at St Mary’s. The day’s agenda reflected the College’s commitment to supporting students as they transition from academic study to the world of work.

Professor Finn continued the morning sessions with a focused presentation on the process of applying for teaching posts in Northern Ireland, covering both primary and post-primary sectors. This was followed by a key session on employment opportunities within Further Education colleges, co-led by Helen O’Connor, Deputy Head of HR at Southern Regional College, and Kathleen Simpson, Deputy Head of HR at Belfast Metropolitan College.

Students then divided into breakout groups based on their area of interest—primary, post-primary, and Irish-medium education. In these tailored sessions, they heard from experienced school leaders including Mrs Carol McCann, Mr Stephen Rafferty, Mr Cathal O’Doherty, and Dr Séamas Ó Donnghaile. The conversations addressed practical questions around working as a substitute teacher, advice on making a strong impression, and strategies for increasing the likelihood of being invited back.

Further sessions provided targeted guidance on application writing and interview preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to compete for teaching positions both at home and abroad.

In the afternoon, students gained cross-border insights during a session led by Brian Fahy and Aisling Healy from the Irish Teaching Council, who outlined how to apply for teaching roles in the Republic of Ireland. The day concluded with a forward-looking session by Professor Finn on international teaching opportunities, with plans for a follow-up online seminar.

The event also welcomed LA3 students intending to pursue PGCE programmes next year, reinforcing the College’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach to teacher education.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Finn expressed gratitude to the wide range of contributors:  

“We are extremely grateful to the principals, further education staff, and representatives from the Irish Teaching Council who took time to engage with our students. Their shared expertise will undoubtedly help our graduates navigate the next stage of their journey with confidence and clarity.”

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the practical relevance of the sessions, the opportunity to interact with experienced professionals, and the inspiration drawn from hearing about various career pathways.

As the academic year draws to a close, the Employability Conference stands as a powerful testament to the College’s ongoing commitment to professional preparation and student success. Plans are already underway for next year’s event, alongside other key activities including the Freshers’ Fair, Careers Convention, and further Employability initiatives in the new academic year.