THE HEA Graduate Outcome Survey, to be published later this academic year, will show that 94 per cent of Limerick Institute of Technology 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 per cent of the Class of 2018 securing a role; an increase of 10 per cent on 2016.
The survey, conducted within nine months of graduation, finds that 87 per cent of 2018’s LIT work-ready graduates had secured employment, with an additional 5 per cent 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 per cent, with an additional 5 per cent 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 per cent of our graduates spread their wings and go overseas, of those that stay in Ireland 62 per cent remain in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, with a further 12 per cent 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 remain relatively consistent compared to previous years, there was an increase in the numbers going into employment; while the number of students progressing directly into further education continues to decline,” said Dr Borthwick, noting the figures were “reflective of the buoyant jobs market”.
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.”
The LIT president highlighted the college’s work placement programme which allows students to in 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,” concluded Professor Cunnane.
