07 September, 2006 - Minister Hanafin launches New Transition Year Tourism Awareness Programme

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D., today launched Fáilte Ireland's revised Transition Year Tourism Awareness Programme.  The revised programme includes a Teachers Resource Manual, a CD Rom and a dedicated website to deliver the course on tourism education. 
  
The Tourism Awareness Programme is a joint venture involving Fáilte Ireland, the Department of Education and Science and the Travel and Tourism Programme in Ireland.  Launched in 1991, the programme attracts around 2000 Transition Year pupils each year.  These numbers are expected to increase substantially with the launch of the newly revised programme.
 
Speaking at Dublinia, Christchurch, Dublin, Minister Hanafin said "tourism is at the heart of Irish society and is one of our most important sources of employment and revenue.  It requires competent, talented and motivated people to ensure that the demands of this dynamic industry are met.
 
The revised programme will give Transition Year students a unique opportunity to learn about the tourism industry, the pivotal role it plays in our economy and the broad range of career opportunities it can offer."
 
Highlighting the success of the Transition Year Programme for students, Minister Hanafin said "Transition Year can be hugely positive in building the broader life skills and confidence that should be an intrinsic part of every student's educational experience. It gives students the time and opportunity to experience a broad range of educational opportunities in a way that is separate from the examination process and demonstrates the links between education and the world of work.  This greatly assists the student to prepare for the senior cycle and to make choices based on their experiences and personal aptitudes.
 
I am confident that the Fáilte Ireland programme will make a substantial contribution to Transition Year studies and to tourism education.  It will also provide students with a foundation for third level tourism courses." 

Congratulating Fáilte Ireland on the extensive revision of the programme, Minister Hanafin encouraged schools and students to avail of the opportunities the new course presents.

 
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