THIRD level graduates are choosing to continue with their education in greater numbers than ever rather than emerge onto the labour market, a survey of 2009 graduates at one of the country’s largest Institutes of Technology, Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), has revealed.
According to the ‘First Destinations Report’, compiled by the Careers Service at LIT, 17% of honours degree students (639) in 2009 continued to post-graduate education. This is almost three-times the figure (6%) in 2007.
The survey of over 800 graduates in 2009 also revealed that 73% of 2009 Level 6 (Higher Certificate) and Level 7 (Degree) graduates progressed to further studies at the Institute. The highest rate of progression onto further education was in Level 6, with 82% of Higher Certificate graduates continuing onto degree courses.
The First Destinations Report also revealed:
· 67% of graduates who did not continue education at LIT in 2009 secured employment or further study opportunities, such as post-graduate education
· 47% proceeded directly into employment, down from 72% in 2008.
· LIT’s graduate employment figure is 2% above the national average for third level institutes/universities
· Of those, 52% secured employment in the Mid-West (Limerick, Clare, North Tipperary and North Kerry)
· 14% moved abroad to secure work, an increase of 3% on 2008 figures and 9% on 2007
· 5% of LIT graduates availed of voluntary or unpaid internship opportunities.
