LIT Graduates LIT Careers Fair at LIT’s Moylish Campus. Picture: Alan Place.
LIT Graduates finding employment in Munster increases
The HEA Graduate Outcome Survey, to be published later this academic year, will show that 94% of LIT Graduates in the labour market, are either in employment or further study, with almost three-quarters of 2018’s graduates working in the Munster region.
The number of LIT graduates finding employment after graduation continues to increase, with 87% of the Class of 2018 securing a role; an increase of 10% on 2016.
The survey, conducted within nine months of graduation, finds that 87% of 2018’s LIT work-ready graduates had secured employment, with an additional 5% in further study.
Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of those that remain in Ireland work in counties Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, all counties which are home to LIT campuses.
Commenting on the findings, Careers & Employability Services Manager, Dr Órlaith Borthwick said, “LIT’s emphasis on employability is paying off for our students, graduates and the region. Of the 2018 graduates available for work, those in employment increased this year to 89%, with an additional 5% of students opting to progress into further study.
“Employers across the Mid-West continue to look to recruit LIT graduates because of the relevance of their education to the workplace. While 6% of our graduates spread their wings and go overseas, of those that stay in Ireland 62% remain in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, with a further 12% working across the rest of Munster.”
The survey also showed that the average starting salary range for LIT graduates was between €25,000 to €29,999.
“While the Class of 2018 results remains relatively consistent compared to previous years, there was an increase (2%) in the numbers going into employment; while the number of students progressing directly into further education continues to decline. These figures are reflective of the buoyant jobs market,” continued Dr Borthwick.
President of LIT, Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “Flexibility in responding to regional industry needs with work-ready graduates is among LIT’s core strengths. We work closely with multinational and indigenous companies based in the Mid West to ensure we reach these goals year on year, and this strategy is benefiting both our students and the regional economy. The result of the HEA Graduate Outcome Survey further endorses LIT’s approach.
“Our successful work placement programme sees more than 1,200 LIT students go on work placement every year, increasing their workplace skills and cementing their relationship with some of the biggest employers in the region. This programme helps to underpin our success in this national survey, and we are very encouraged to see 79% of our graduates reporting that their studies are relevant to their employment.”
Dr Borthwick added, “The demand for LIT students and graduates continues to grow and to meet those needs we now host two Career Fairs annually. LIT’s Spring Careers Fair, which took place earlier this month proved to be another great opportunity for our students to secure work placement and graduate employment opportunities.”
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