HomeCase studies - Collaborate
Collaborate is a business development initiative aimed at helping to stimulate the growth and competitiveness of Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as developing local graduate talent.Local SMEs are offered the full-time services of highly-qualified, highly-motivated graduates who carry out specific projects on their behalf.
AMEY Business Services
AMEY is a leading provider of support services in the UK. They work with major organisations in the public and private sectors to provide a wide range of business services.
Graduate - Raymond Mullan
Raymond was placed with AMEY and said: "The Collaborate programme has been a fantastic experience and it provided me with a real opportunity to enhance my personal and employability skills." His four-month project involved research, planning and implementation of innovative ICT solutions for the Library Service.
He said: "I would strongly recommend the Collaborate programme to any future graduates as a worthwhile personal development course, which has provided me with a real head start in my career."
Employer - Elaine Douglas, AMEY Business Manager
Elaine said: "The Collaborate Programme is an excellent route for students to attain much needed experience of the work environment. AMEY have benefited from working in partnership with the Belfast Institute and Belfast City Council in providing us with a such high calibre student. "Raymond has worked on many diverse projects and embraced new challenges with gusto. He has provided the company with research and business case details that will launch a number of exciting and innovative services for the libraries.
"I would highly recommend this programme to other businesses."
Happening Creative Communications
Established in 1995, Happening provides cutting-edge solutions to communications, conference or event management needs.
Graduate - Deirdre Higgins
Deidre said: “Taking part in the Collaborate Programme has helped me through the difficult task of getting my foot in the door of the working world. "It has enabled me to gain experience of the professional working environment while providing me with the essential support required along the way."
Her four-month project involved refining the paper-based accounts system and developing a computer-based recording system.
Anne Doherty – Managing Director, Happening PR
Anne said: “Through this programme, Belfast City Council and Belfast Metropolitan College is offering an excellent route for students to attain much needed experience in the working world. Not only do students get the vital work experience that can place them ahead of other candidates during future employment but companies, like us at Happening, have been provided with an excellent employee. "Deirdre Higgins has worked on many of our diverse accounts and has embraced all the challenges set for her with enthusiasm and confidence. She has demonstrated great potential in working in accounts and hopefully she will continue to enjoy working for Happening in the future.
"Working with the Collaborate team and its students has been a very positive experience for Happening and we would highly recommend other businesses to get involved with this programme.”
More information
If you’re interested in knowing more about this programme, please contactLisa McCartney
Economic Development Officer
Telephone: 028 9027 0736
Email: mccartneylisa@belfastcity.gov.uk
