April 17th 2024

Resources to check out this Earth Day, April 22nd

Earth Day is an international day devoted to our planet. Taking place on the 22nd of April, Earth Day draws attention to the environment, promoting conservation and sustainability. 

Schools can play a crucial role in Earth Day by organising various activities that promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Participation in Earth Day can take many forms, including small classroom projects like planting a herb garden or picking up litter around your school. These activities encourage students to embrace environmental values and take positive action, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Sustainability is a key focus for us at AIB Future Sparks. Our Sustainability Ezine offers insights and ideas on how individuals can become more environmentally conscious as well as featuring contributions from social entrepreneurs and sustainability experts, including Rónán Ó Dálaigh, the founder of the online charity shop ‘Thrifity’, and Aisling Byrne, the creator of the sustainable fashion app ‘Nuw’.

Why not check out these episodes on sustainability from AIB Future Sparks

Environmental Innovator, Fionn Ferriera: In-depth interview with Fionn Ferriera, a 20 year-old student, scientist, and anti-plastic pollution innovator focused on solving the plastic pollution crisis.

Life Skills Through Vintage Clothing Enterprise: Learn how Sam in Cork started up his own sustainable clothing company and found his customers. 

Life Skills Through Bee Keeping: Check out the beekeeping experience with Elizabeth and how your hobbies can teach you a whole new range of new life skills and life experiences.

Climate Action (SDG13) is one of 17 Sustainable Development Global Goals adopted by all United Nations Member States to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Check out our Global Citizenship Student Ezine to find out how students can become active global citizens and to consider how they can make changes within their local community and also our Food Cloud Case Study aimed at promoting responsible food consumption and production.

Resources to check out this Earth Day, April 22nd

February 23rd 2024

Getting Ready for LEO Enterprise Week + Seachtain na Gaeilge

In preparation for upcoming LEO Enterprise Week and Seachtain na Gaeilge, why not check out some of the AIB Future Sparks materials on offer which cover both enterprise and Irish?

There’s lots to choose from including…

– Our video with Gigi Tynan on Entrepreneurship, which covers what makes a successful entrepreneur and why enterprise is important in life. There is an accompanying Junior Cycle Workbook available in Irish, to assist with further and deeper learning.

– Handy tips and advice from Irish businesspeople about how to start your own business as well as a Senior Cycle Workbook to accompany it.

– An extended series on Tax and Insurance which is sure to help both Junior and Senior Cycle students understand two key life skills.

For more information on Seachtain na Gaeilge – the biggest Irish language festival in Ireland (and the world!) – visit https://snag.ie/en/

Getting Ready for LEO Enterprise Week + Seachtain na Gaeilge

February 6th 2024

Safer Internet Day 2024

Safer Internet Day is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. Today we are joining millions of people worldwide in promoting this day and exploring the theme, ‘Tech in our World’.

WebWise.ie have a suite of free materials on offer for teachers, including great second-level presentations to get your class thinking and discussing internet safety today. They cover everything from identifying false information and news online, to respectful online communication, self-esteem, and online wellbeing. Because a better-informed internet user, is a safer internet user.

At AIB, we are committed to protecting our customers online and use the highest levels of industry standard security to help us do this. This includes features such as our encrypted website, secure logins via personal registration numbers and access codes, as well as auto time-out features, and time & date stamps.

Remember:

Never tell anyone your 5-digit Personal Access Code (PAC). If you do, that person will have access to your accounts and your money, just as if they are you.

Criminals may target customers by sending texts or calling you pretending to be AIB – never click a web link in a text message or share codes.

Check your account regularly to make sure everything looks OK.

And if something worries you, call us immediately.

For more information and tips about banking safely online, visit our Security Centre

Safer Internet Day 2024

November 20th 2023

College Awareness Week – Pathways to Higher Education

College Awareness Week is a national event which aims to help students learn about the experiences they could have at college and the subjects they may want to study.

Many schools host a full timetable of events and activities for the week, or plan further activities around this time. All students can benefit from College Awareness week, but it’s particularly important for students who may not have considered further education before or may not know many people who have been to college.

There are many different options available to students who may wish to go to college by alternative routes:

HEAR – Higher Education Access Route: The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is an admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education. Full details about HEAR including elligiblity criteria and how to apply, can be found on their website.

DARE – Disability Access Route: DARE is an admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. To be eligible for DARE, students must meet both the DARE Educational Impact criteria and DARE Evidence of Disability criteria. Find out more on the DARE website

Further Education and Training (FET) Access Route: Students who not have a Leaving Certificate, or did not get the points needed for a specific course, can go through the Further Education and Training (FET) entry route. To enter college this way, students will need to have been awarded a full Major QQI Award at a minimum level 5. This will require the completion of 8 minor awards. College courses may require specific minor awards within the Major Award. Each college has a set number of places reserved for FET students. For more information, visit the admissions pages of the university websites listed HERE.

Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Courses: Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are full-time courses for people who have finished second-level education and adults returning to education. PLC courses usually last 1-2 years and take place in local Education and Training Board (ETB) schools, colleges and education centres. They develop technical and practical skills for an industry-recognised qualification. They can also offer a way into higher education and can give the opportunity to try out a subject of interest. The course may also provide work-based experience. You can find a complete list of all the PLC courses available on Qualifax – the national learners’ database

For more information on College Awareness Week, including what’s on, visit collegeaware.ie

College Awareness Week – Pathways to Higher Education

November 16th 2023

Happy Science Week Ireland 2023!

Science Week is a nationwide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This annual event aims to inspire curiosity, ignite a passion for discovery, and promote the importance of STEM education and research in Ireland. 

We have a range of complementary materials available on AIB Future Sparks, to assist schools in marking this important week:

Watch an interview with Fionn Ferriera, a 20-year-old student, scientist, inventor, and anti-plastic pollution innovator from West Cork, focused on solving the plastic pollution crisis.

Download and read our Sustainability Ezine packed full of student activities, feature articles, extracurricular ideas, and links to relevant educational resources. This Ezine is sure to have something for both Junior and Senior Cycle!

Enjoyed the Sustainability Ezine? Why not check out our Senior Cycle Extension Activities for further opportunities to explore the topic.

 

AIB Future Sparks has more than 270 educational resources available for Teachers at the touch of a button – click here to register for your free account today.

Happy Science Week Ireland 2023!

October 17th 2023

Ireland's Action Plan for Apprenticeships: 2021 – 2025

Ireland’s Action Plan for Apprenticeships 2021-2025 is a forward-looking plan that reflects the growing demand for apprenticeships in Ireland. As industries evolve and embrace new technologies, the need for skilled and adaptable professionals is on the rise. The action plan aims to expand the types of programmes available, and increase the number of apprenticeships to 10,000 per year by 2025.

What does this action plan mean for students interested in apprenticeships? More opportunities and more options. A lot of the programmes being developed give students an opportunity to earn a qualification while earning money, make valuable industry connections, and gain valuable, hands-on experience.

At AIB Future Sparks, we deeply value the significance of apprenticeships as a viable career pathway for students. To support and inform students considering this option, why not check out the following resources: 

Watch this insightful conversation with Mark Deegan, former Head of Apprenticeships at TU Dublin. In this video, Mark shares expert advice and insights with a student interested in pursuing an apprenticeship.

Download the accompanying Student Workbook which contains pre- and post- watch brainstorm topics for Students, worksheets, and practical tasks related to finding apprenticeships in Ireland. 

Ireland's Action Plan for Apprenticeships: 2021 – 2025

October 10th 2023

World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It’s also a day to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what they’re going through.

At AIB Future Sparks, we want to support the mental health of students and have created a range of resources to help manage feelings of anxiety and stress within the class:

Watch our ‘Experts Explain – Anxiety’ video with Ronan Conway, which talks about anxiety management, wellness, and more.

Use the accompanying Student Workbook to help Students unpack what they have learnt from Ronan’s video and reflect on these learnings.

For more information on national and local mental health services, there are lots of resources available on gov.ie such as:

YourMentalHealth.ie which provides information and signposting on all mental health supports and services that are available nationally and locally provided by the HSE and its funded partners

The Your Mental Health Information Line is available 24 hours to find supports and services – Freephone: 1800 111 88

World Mental Health Day 2023

October 10th 2023

Maths Week 2023

Resources to support your focus on mathematics this week!

Maths Week promotes positive attitudes towards maths and its applications for all ages, backgrounds, needs and abilities. We know that maths underpins STEM subjects, financial services and many other disciplines. But mathematical thinking also improves our ability to solve problems in other areas, and is an essential life skill for full participation in society.

Here at AIB Future Sparks, we’re excited to offer a wide range of materials that will assist Teachers and Students engaging with maths this week. Resources include:

Videos from leading Irish business people and entrepreneurs such as Chupi Sweetman, Sharon Keegan, and Rónán Ó Dálaigh

Essential viewing on Starting Your Own Business, Business Finances, and Financial Literacy

And our ‘Little Sparks’ Series covering everything from what it is to be a wise consumer, to managing your money and more.

Maths Week 2023

September 28th 2023

Sustainable Development Goals Week

Incorporating SDG's into the classroom this week and beyond

It’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week in Ireland, an annual week of action, awareness, and accountability!

Did you know the United Nations and nations across the globe have committed to achieving 17 Global Goals as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all?

Climate Action (SDG 13) is often the first goal people think of. However, there are 16 more ambitious goals to learn about and contribute to. This week and beyond, educators have a unique opportunity to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers and AIB Future Sparks resources can support schools along this journey.

 

Why not check out:

 

TY Coordinators or CSPE teachers may find the Global Citizenship Student Ezine useful; encouraging students to become active global citizens and to consider how they can make changes within their local community.

 

Business Teachers may consider discussing social enterprises that are working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. For instance, our Food Cloud Case Study ties into SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

 

Not yet registered for AIB Future Sparks? Teachers, click here to register for your free account today and gain access to over 270 educational resources.

Sustainable Development Goals Week

September 5th 2023

Navigating Times of Transition

Welcome back to a new school year!

One of our core aims at AIB Future Sparks is to support young people through their key life transitions by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be successful.

We know that the journey from primary to post primary education is just one of these exciting, yet uncertain, transitions for students. From adapting to a new social environment, meeting a larger and more diverse peer group, navigating the new academic environment, moving rooms, having a locker for the first time, managing time to effectively tackle new subjects etc., a lot happens and change isn’t always easy.

This is why, last week, AIB sent Freshers’ Packs to select schools across the country designed to help support 1st Years in this transition. Our Freshers’ Packs offer more than just goodies and educational materials; they are a bridge to help students (and their parents and teachers) navigate this new phase with confidence.

Registered teachers, why not access the digital Freshers’ Pack resources with your Teacher Account now?

 

And that’s not all. AIB Future Sparks has a variety of resources created by Guidance Counsellors and teachers to support the various other transitions of a student’s post primary journey.

• Check out the Moving Up To 2nd Year resources perfect for students at the beginning of 2nd Year or the end of 1st Year

• Access our Senior Cycle Goal Setting bundle, supporting students in 5th and 6th Year with their career goals

 

Not yet registered? Teachers, click here to register for your free account today and gain access to over 270 educational resources.

Navigating Times of Transition

April 28th 2023

The Results Are In!

The results from our student and teacher surveys are in and we wanted to share the highlights with you

A recent survey conducted in Irish secondary schools by AIB in February has revealed an overwhelmingly positive response to the AIB Future Sparks Programme amongst teachers and students.

     • 98% of teachers surveyed indicated that the programme delivers added value to their teaching

     • 96% of teachers agreed that the programme shows an understanding of what matters to students

     • 85% of students are using AIB Future Sparks resources regularly in the classroom, with 43% using resources at home also

     • 72% of students felt they knew more about banking and finances after participating in the AIB Future Sparks Programme

The survey findings also gave some valuable insights into how, and what, students want to learn in 2023.

     • Students want to learn more about current events such as climate change, human   rights, and technology as well as personal development topics like finance, college and career paths, and wellbeing

     •  Students reported school visits/talks and videos as their most useful tools for learning

     • The most popular resources amongst students included wellbeing resources, study skills, and online tools

      • Students feel that careers and communication are two top skills that young people need to learn in school

AIB Future Sparks is an inter-disciplinary initiative for post primary students and their teachers offering a wealth of free skills-based educational resources suitable for 1st to 6th year across multiple subject areas. Sign up for free today to gain access to over 270 resources and tools on aibfuturesparks.ie or contact futuresparks@realnation.ie for more information.

 

The Results Are In!

March 20th 2023

Global Recycling Day

Global Recycling Day was held on March 18th this year but it’s never too late to think about how we can help the planet!

Global Recycling Day recognises and celebrates the importance of recycling and the innovative ways we can process and create new products from what we have already used. This can be as simple as making sure we put suitable waste in the recycling bin rather than the general bin or by reusing products in new ways.

Did you know that thrifting is a type of recycling? Thrifting (buying and using pre-owned items) and donating your old clothes are two effective and easy ways to recycle and save money!

Sustainability is big on our agenda at AIB Future Sparks. Why not check out our Ezine on sustainability for more ideas on how you can be more environmentally friendly and hear from some brilliant sustainability contributors and social entrepreneurs including founder of online charity shop ‘Thrifity’ Rónán Ó Dálaigh and Aisling Byrne, founder of sustainable fashion app ‘Nuw’: AIB Future Sparks Ezine 2 Sustainability

 

Global Recycling Day

March 8th 2023

International Women's Day

Are you celebrating International Women’s Day today?

Here at AIB Future Sparks, we are proud to feature over 40 amazing women amongst our contributors. Here are just a few of our wonderful contributors who have also been listed in the Irish Examiner’s 100 Women of 2023!

Emer O’Neill: PE teacher, television presenter, national team basketball player and BLM activist – Emer really is an inspiration! Tune into this episode of Been There, Done That to learn more about Emer’s experiences and how sport played an important roles in developing her skills and confidence, and in furthering her career

Sonya Lennon: Not only is she a talented fashion designer, Sonya is also an advocate and changemaker committed to supporting women in business. Check out this energetic episode of Big Sparks, joined by Brendan Courtney, where she reflects on her time as a teenager, first jobs, and future successes.

Ellen Keane: Paralympian and all-round super star, Ellen Keane joins us to discuss how leadership is learned in this intriguing episode of Chatterbox. She recounts her experiences in the Paralympics, from Tokyo to London, and tells us how important leadership skills are in any career path.

Happy International Women’s Day to all our students, teachers, and contributors!

International Women's Day

February 23rd 2023

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a way of learning a trade or skill, usually by working with experienced practitioners in the workplace. Apprenticeships can be full-time or part-time, and take between one and four years to complete, depending on the level of study. You will receive on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction.

Ireland has a long tradition of apprenticeships, with many Irish people having started their careers learning through this method. You can learn more about apprenticeships in Ireland in our AIB Future Sparks TV Series ‘Experts Explain’, where Mark Deegan, former Head of Apprenticeships in TUD, discusses the application process and what employers look for in apprentices.

Apprenticeships are a great way to get into a career that you enjoy through active, non-traditional learning. Some of the benefits include:

 

A chance to earn while you learn

Developing new skills and becoming more employable

The opportunity to gain recognised qualifications for free (or at low cost)

A chance to network with professionals in your chosen field

 

The Generation Apprenticeship Programme was launched in 2017 by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), in collaboration with the National Skills Authority (NSA) to encourage post primary school students to apply for apprenticeships. You can find out more on their website, apprenticeship.ie, or talk to your school’s guidance counsellor about apprenticeships today!

 

What is an Apprenticeship?

December 21st 2022

Wait a Sec, Double Check!

AIB launches new campaign on fraud awareness!

Did you know that according to a report published in November 2022, almost €45 million was stolen from people in Ireland through scams and frauds in the second half of 2021, a jump of 50% on the same period in the previous year.

 

What’s the difference between a fraud and a scam?

Basically, a scam is a trick that criminals use to get something from you that they can then use to their own advantage – mostly to take money from you. When a scam is successful it is considered fraud.

 

DO’s and DON’Ts to prevent being scammed or defrauded:

Odd as it might sound, the best thing to do first is DON’T do anything!

DON’T click on a link in a text message or email to make any kind of payment

DON’T give any of your online banking login details to anyone by text, email or over the phone

DON’T click through to a website from a link in a text message or email

DON’T be taken in by messages that claim to be URGENT – these are designed to make you panic and rush into doing something you shouldn’t

DON’T be fooled by texts, emails or websites that look genuine – criminals have ways to duplicate anything to make it look real

 

Not sure if a text or website is safe? Just think…

What are they asking you to do? Is it appropriate? Legitimate businesses, including AIB, will never ask for your banking details or passwords.

Are they putting you under pressure? Often scams will make you feel like something bad will happen if you don’t act quickly. It’s a red flag!

Is the link unusual? Does the link have any additional words, symbols or numbers? If it does, then there is a chance it is a fake link. Remember to always look for the padlock symbol and the ‘https’ in your browser’s address line; both of these together mean that the website is safe and secure.

 

If you do receive a text message that you think is a scam, please click here https://aib.ie/security-centre/contact-us/fraud-form to alert the AIB Team.

Would you like to learn more? Teachers can book your school a free ‘Stay Safe’ Fraud Awareness Presentation by emailing youth@aib.ie.

Wait a Sec, Double Check!

November 17th 2022

AIB's 6th Annual Sustainability Conference 'No Time to Waste'

Student Voices Heard at AIB Sustainability Conference!

Watch it Here!

 

 

Last month AIB held their 6th annual conference on sustainability in line with climate finance week 2022. The theme of this year’s conference was ‘No Time to Waste’. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, ecologist and UN Messenger of Peace opened the conference with the clear message that our choices, as consumers and citizens, impact our planet every day, and the importance of making wise and ethically decisions. The conference heard from an expert panel of food and drink producers and from a panel of Irish pioneers in sustainable business.

At AIB Future Sparks we are proud to champion student voices and encourage the inclusion of our youth in these important discussions. Our highlight of the conference was hearing from Flossie Donnelly, a climate activist, and Dublin student, who is in Transition Year. Flossie began her climate activism by organising beach clean ups to combat marine plastic waste. Her charity, Flossie and the Beach Cleaners, organise educational workshops for students in primary and post primary schools encouraging clean ups and positive climate change in schools. She believes that through education we can reverse the impacts we have on our planet. Flossie also warns of the dangers of greenwashing in marketing and how businesses are key in changing the tide against climate change.

As part of their commitment to become a NetZero business by 2030 AIB have begun the reforestation initiative. In partnership with Coillte AIB will plant a native Irish tree for every student account that is opened. The initiative launched in 2021 and will run for three years with the aim to plant over 90,000 trees.

You can listen to Flossie speak on the Pioneers Panel here: https://aib.ie/sustainability#conference2022

AIB's 6th Annual Sustainability Conference 'No Time to Waste'

October 7th 2022

Mental Health Awareness Month

We're celebrating World Mental Health Day on October 10th 2022!

Mental Health and Wellbeing has been a topic of discussion in many classrooms around the country recently as October brings with it World Mental Health Day and Mental Health Awareness Week.

A W.H.O report found that not addressing mental health with teenagers can impair their physical and mental health and limit their potential to lead fulfilling lives as adults. Teachers, why not use some of our AIB Future Sparks wellbeing resources to help introduce these themes to students and build emotional literacy and resilience skills?

Check out our AIB Future Sparks Ezine, ‘You and Your Mental Health’, which was developed to align with World Mental Health Day. This resource is designed to be shared directly with students to offer support to their wellbeing through resources and exercises on anxiety, meditation, mindfulness and much more.

Mental Health Awareness Month

September 5th 2022

Welcome back to a new year

A new year of skills-based learning with AIB Future Sparks!

Get your 2022/23 academic year off to a flying start with new educational resources across Guidance, Business, Accounting, Economics, Financial Education, TY, and more – designed specially by teachers for teachers, students, and their parents. We now have over 250 skills-based resources available including brand new videos, podcasts and resources for both students and teachers.

Check out:

• Guidance Related Learning: 1st Year Transition Pack

• Business: A Day in the Life – Mark Logan – People in Business

• Financial Literacy: Managing My Money

• TY: Work Experience

Join our community of over 590 Irish schools and thousands of teachers and students by accessing your Teacher Account now or by registering for free today. Keep an eye on your inbox for even more new resources launching throughout the year. We can’t wait to share it all with you!

Welcome back to a new year

May 30th 2022

End Of Year Survey Draw Winners 2022

Congratulations to the winners of our End of Year Survey Draw!

The 3 lucky voucher winners are teachers from:

• The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Donegal
• St. Joseph’s Community College, Clare
• Castlecomer Community School, Kilkenny

Our 10 fantastic Freshers’ Pack winners are teachers from:

• Carndonagh Community School, Donegal
• F.C.J. Secondary School, Wexford
• St. Muredach’s College, Mayo
• Colaiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire, Cork
• Deansrath Community College, Dublin
• Coláiste Chiaráin, Limerick
• Portlaoise College, Laois
• Coláiste Pobail Acla, Mayo
• Skibbereen Community School, Cork
• St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Leitrim

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share this invaluable feedback with us this year and if you didn’t win, keep an eye out for more prize and reward opportunities in 2022/23!

End Of Year Survey Draw Winners 2022

May 20th 2022

16 Schools Awarded by AIB

Out of 585 Irish secondary schools registered with the AIB Future Sparks Programme this year, 16 schools have been recognised by AIB for their involvement in the Future Sparks Programme and their dedication to skills-based learning.

Each recognised school recently received an awards ceremony from AIB where they were awarded a plaque by their local AIB branch manager, to commemorate their participation. They were also rewarded with a native Irish tree which was planted on the grounds of their school during their ceremony. These trees will contribute to the bank’s commitment to plant 90,000 native Irish trees over the next three years on behalf of new AIB second-level student account holders.

AIB’s Chief People Officer, Geraldine Casey, said, “At AIB, we are delighted to play our part in supporting students and teachers with educational resources under this programme to guide skills development and preparedness for life beyond school and the world of work.”

A huge congratulations once again to this year’s award winning schools, check out their stories below, shared in the media and keep an eye in 2022/23 for your school’s chance to take part!

Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven/ Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk/ Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty/ Scoil Mhuire Secondary School, Buncrana/ Errigal College/ Chanel College/ Oatlands College/ Galway ETSS/ Killarney Community College/ Presentation Secondary School Kilkenny/ St Josephs Secondary School, Drogheda/ Laytown & Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School/ Ashbourne Community School/ Beaufort College/ Abbey Community College/ Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed

16 Schools Awarded by AIB

February 8th 2022

Safer Internet Day 2022

Today, February 8th is Safer Internet Day 2022 – an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, aimed at young people in particular.

In addition to the resources and tools available as part of AIB Future Sparks, AIB are offering schools these free interactive presentations covering topics such as:

-Staying safe online
-Money mules
-Common college scams
-Fraud and fraudulent activity

The Stay Safe presentations have been developed by teachers for both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle (including TY), and are facilitated by your school’s local AIB branch. These presentations can link in as part of your financial education curriculum and are also an excellent skill for students heading to 3rd level education, to be aware of and avoid college scams.

What Schools Say!

“The presentations are brilliant and extremely informative”

“They are of great benefit to leaving cert classes for attending 3rd level”

“I was surprised at how engaged students were with the presentations”

To avail of these presentations, do not hesitate to get in touch with your local AIB branch today by contacting youth@aib.ie, or register your interest with the online form here!

Safer Internet Day 2022

December 10th 2021

Lifelong Skills Learning

“Students are leaving school without the sex education, digital skills, financial literacy and climate knowledge they need”, Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris told the Oireachtas Education Committee in November 2021.

More and more, we are hearing from educationalists, employers, politicians, parents and young people about how continually learning skills is increasingly important in the 21st century.

The global Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted in their 2021 Skills Outlook Report that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting people in learning throughout their lives and equipping them with solid skills that they can use at work and in society. This will allow both individuals and society to, not only survive, but thrive and reach their full potential.

Here at AIB Future Sparks, we also see the value of learning life skills every day. This is why we developed the Future Sparks Programme alongside our team of teachers to enhance this learning for secondary school students.

Students, check out our interactive and easy-to-use digital resources today to improve your skills in areas such as money management, looking after your wellbeing, digital skills, and more! Simply log in with your school’s access code (your teacher will have this) for instant access.

Lifelong Skills Learning

November 22nd 2021

2021 Global Skills

In order to be successful in your career, you must be equipped with a certain amount of knowledge, ability, and competence. These qualities are often known as skills and can be developed through life and work experiences, as well as learned through study.

The Coursera Global Skills Report 2021 revealed some of the most sought-after skills by employers around the world today! The top skills included:

     Innovation – are you good at coming up with new ideas and ways of doing things?

     A competitive nature – do you aim to be successful at the things you do?

     Problem solving ability – can you solve tricky situations and come up with solutions?

     Communication skills – can you communicate in a way that is clear to others?

     Computer literacy – are you well able to use computers and other digital technology?

Have a go at the Skills Audit worksheet and Education Pathways desk study on AIB Future Sparks to investigate your career skills and the pathway to your dream career.

#CAW2021

2021 Global Skills

October 14th 2021

European Cybersecurity Month

Did you know October is also European Cybersecurity Month?

The European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) is the European Union’s annual campaign dedicated to promoting cybersecurity among EU citizens and organisations, and to providing up-to-date online security information through awareness raising and sharing of good practices.

Here at AIB, we recognise the importance of being safe online, raising awareness of fraudulent activities, and doing what we can to protect our customers from financial fraud online. We see this as a key part of Financial Education and so, we are introducing our new Financial Education Interactive Presentations, ‘Stay Safe’, which will be rolled out to secondary schools across the country by our local AIB Branch Youth Champions over the coming weeks and months.

Teachers, if you would like to arrange one of these interactive presentations for your Junior or Senior Cycle class group, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local AIB Branch.

Students, why not check out Episode 1 of the AIB Future Sparks Business Series in our Student Area? In this episode, Aric Dromi, one of the world’s most prominent futurists, talks to us about technology, change and the move towards an increasingly digital world!

Read more about European Cybersecurity Month here.

European Cybersecurity Month