LIMERICK’S high number of skilled graduates plays a key role in attracting new companies to set up operations here, according to Limerick Institute of Technology president Dr Maria Hinfelaar.
Speaking at the college’s recent graduation ceremony, Dr Hinfelaar said: “We know that your employment record is good and that more and more companies are deciding to set up operations in Limerick and the wider region – a very direct influencing factor has been that they know there is a pipeline of graduates from LIT. They could have chosen to set up somewhere else, but they decided to come here.”
Dr Hinfelaar said the college is “in constant communication” with various companies and was “involved at an early stage when they were weighing up the pros and cons of coming here”.
“We work closely with the IDA in that regard, and we know how crucial the provision of education, training and research is in the decision-making process,” she added.
More than 1,700 students graduated from LIT last week with academic awards ranging Higher Certificate through to PhD.
Dr Hinfelaar encouraged graduates to become active members of the LIT Alumni Association.
She said: “As well as providing strategic level support to LIT’s initiatives such as the €200 million Campus Masterplan, they open up their personal and business networks internationally for the benefit of LIT and our graduates.”
LIT alumni include former Kerry Group CEO and chairman of the Mid West Task Force, Denis Brosnan, and president and founder of the Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley, John Hartnett.
