Trinity Access Programmes Alumni Strategy

Posted on: 11 March 2009

The Trinity Access Programmes Alumni Strategy (TAPAS) was presented at an event hosted by the Vice-Provost/ Chief Academic Officer, Professor Patrick Prendergast on Monday, March 2nd last.  The presentation centred on research into Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) graduates’ experiences of progression to the labour market since 2002.

“TAPAS is an opportunity to showcase what has been achieved by Trinity Access Programmes and to highlight plans for TAP’s future as well as a chance to thank supporters of the programme including TCD graduates, business and private individuals for their support”, stated Head of Programme at TAP, Cliona Hannon.

The preliminary research findings, based on TAP graduate experiences were presented by Cliona Hannon and outlined that the result of the research is assisting TAP to achieve the following:

• tailor a needs-based ‘access’ programme that is distinctive for each of our link schools;
• plan an in-depth, collaborative access programme within Dublin’s Inner City that aims to double the number of local students progressing to higher education;
• develop a framework for long-term engagement by employers, alumni and professional bodies with TAP students, beginning at Leaving Certificate cycle and continuing all the way through undergraduate study;
• prepare graduates to engage with employers following their graduation.

“A key aim of TAP is to increase the proportion of students from low-income groups progressing to higher education and to create a university campus that reflects the diverse composition of Irish society.  Having a whole range of people from different socio-economic backgrounds produces a creative merging of ideas and experiences which enriches learning and creates new knowledge.  All parts of society need to be represented in the process”, explained Ms Hannon.

“The research, which is sponsored by Nissan Ireland, has been invaluable in enabling TAP to be more effective, outlining how efficiently TAP is reaching the students who can most benefit from their support, helping TAP to understand more clearly what works best and for whom, and highlighting how TAP needs to shape the programmes for the future.”

Present at the TAPAS event were Conor O’Kelly, Director of NCB and President of Trinity Business Alumni, Senator David Norris and Kevin O’Farrell, TAP Alumnus.