A campaign by IMPACT to inform students about career opportunities, their rights in the workplace, and the role of trade unions is now up and running. IMPACT@Third-Level promotes the benefits of joining the union and registers students who are interested in joining once they begin their careers.

Campus visits are a central feature of the campaign. IMPACT representatives will visit therapy departments at IT Tallaght and TCD this month. The aim is to provide information on the benefits of membership and a guide for students about statutory registration for health and social care professionals, CORU and Fitness to Practise.

IMPACT travelled to Galway and Cork in recent weeks to address third-level students in Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) about the importance of labour rights and advocacy. Joe O’Connor, organiser with the Boards and Voluntary branch, explained “We spoke to GMIT students, as part of a postgraduate seminar being organised by GMIT Careers Office. The campaign will tie in with careers fairs and road shows across the country for students who will soon be entering the workforce and is actively supported by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).”

IMPACT organisers Úna Faulkner and Deirdre O’Connell-Hopkins travelled to CIT last week as part of the college student’s union campaign on Activism and Rights at Work. Una and Deirdre spoke to final year students in social care work and early childhood care and education.

Úna explained “All of the talks have been well attended and there was a positive response from students hoping to join the workforce in the public sector after graduation. Students were particularly interested in hearing about the day to day issues they will face when they enter the workplace. For the final year students we were able to outline, from a personal and professional perspective, the different sectors open to them after graduation.”

IMPACT@Third-Level is currently in a pilot phase. Deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan says it has significant potential to develop and extend to campuses across the country. “The feedback so far has been incredibly positive, and it’s vital for unions like IMPACT to have that opportunity to talk to future potential members. It’s a great time to be having this conversation with them directly” he said.

The organising team is encouraging IMPACT member with links to higher education bodies  to contact them and explore the potential for co-operation. Interested members can contact Linda Kelly via email.