Twenty Transition Year (TY) students from five counties around Ireland, including Galway, Clare, Mayo, Roscommon and Meath, recently completed a week of marine science and technology training at the Marine Institute.

Now in its fourth year, the Marine Institute transition year training programme is designed to provide students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in the marine and technology sector.

Shadowing scientists and staff, the students took part in interactive experiments involving fisheries and ecosystem science, marine environment and food safety, IT applications development, oceanographic research, advanced mapping and research vessel operations as well as, maritime development and communications. The students also took part in a number of fun team building and communications related activities to develop their interpersonal skills.

As part of their day of training, students learned about the activities of the INFOMAR national mapping program and the wonders of our beautiful seabed features including shipwrecks and coral reefs

Ireland's marine sector is a vibrant part of our national economy and the need for education in the marine sector at all levels is highlighted by Ireland's Integrated Marine Plan Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth (HOOW). A recent publication issued by the European Commission also noted that in a well-functioning economy, education and industry are two sides of the same coin, where both need to vigilantly highlight the trends in the future job market.

Combining classroom and workplace experience is a unique opportunity for the TY students, bridging the gap between sciences and the blue economy. Training such as the Marine Institute's TY Programme, has many advantages as it improves the student's skills and general knowledge about science and the marine environment, sewing the seeds for future careers.

Check out the TY video here.