IT Sligo students of Applied Social Studies in Social Care got real hands-on experience of what it is like to be on the front line from experienced social care professionals yesterday.
The inaugural Professional Practice Day for social studies students held on campus was the first time that the presentations have all been made in a one day conference programme setting.
The aim of the professional practice day was to give the ambiance of a real-life conference, with students getting name badges and packs, choosing workshops in advance and mirroring what students can expect when they graduate from IT Sligo.
The BA in Applied Social Studies in Social Care develops student’s knowledge of a broad range of ideas and concepts and gives them practical skills that can be applied in many different social care settings; from working with young people, to research, to policy making, to supporting people with disabilities.
Social care practitioners may work with children and adolescents in residential care; people with intellectual or physical disabilities; homeless; people with alcohol/drug dependency, families in the community, young people; older people, immigrants to Ireland and other groups who are marginalised or need specialised support. Many practitioners work for the Health Services Executive [HSE] in areas such as residential childcare or in disability services; other key areas of employment are in community-based projects. Others may be involved in research or policymaking.
Senior lecturer Margaret Gilmore was one of the main organisers of the successful conference. She also co-ordinates most of the course placements each year. Students from the course go on placements to Vietnam, Republic of South Africa, Ethiopia, Northern Ireland, the United States of America and Canada.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural professional practice day, she said:
“It was a great opportunity for the students to hear enthusiastic and experienced workers, all on the one day. They each had chosen four workshops and, while it was mandatory for the full time students, it was very heartening to find that the part time students were also in attendance.
“The various speakers were very willing to share their expertise with the students. It was also our first time getting so many speakers on the one day and based on initial feedback, this was an excellent way to do it. Previous practice had been to have speakers come on a weekly basis to one or two class groups.
“There was a great deal involved in getting the conference organised as the social studies field is very broad. We hope that along with this positive experience, students may get placements or even work from attending the workshops and making contact with the various agencies,” she explained.
Margaret paid tribute to all who attended and those who gave up their time to speak on the day. She also thanked ACE (Accelerating Campus Entrepreneurship) Intern Cait Keaveney, for assisting her in the preparation of the event.
Pictured at the Inaugural Social Studies Professional Practice Day were, from Left to right : Mark Taylor, Lecturer; Key note speaker, Marie Crawley, Identification of Needs (ION) Co-coordinator, Sligo; Margaret Gilmore, Lecturer and Perry Share, Head of the Department of Humanities.