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Interview Wardrobe initiative among projects shortlisted for National Employability Awards
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Careers Services has been shortlisted for three national honours at the AHECS Employability Awards, recognising innovative and collaborative work supporting student and graduate employability across the university.
The nominations highlight three initiatives delivered by ATU Careers teams across multiple campuses:
Interview Wardrobe: Get Interview Ready
Developed in response to rising cost-of-living pressures and student feedback, the Interview Wardrobe initiative provides free access to high-quality, interview-appropriate clothing across multiple campuses throughout the academic year. Items are also available at any time through Careers Services, ensuring equitable access to professional attire while supporting sustainability through donation, reuse and circular-economy practices aligned with EU Green priorities.
Strategic Innovation – Pobal Bia
Pobal Bia, ATU’s student food pantry on the Galway campus, offers an innovative response to the rising cost of living while reducing food waste. Delivered in partnership with FoodCloud, the initiative redistributes surplus food to students, allowing them to select items that suit their needs while promoting dignity, inclusion and responsible consumption.
Research-Informed Practice – Professional Development Programme
ATU’s Galway Careers Service and the Department of Creative Education have collaborated for several years on a Professional Development Programme designed to prepare student teachers for employment interviews in the post-primary sector. Following mock interview training, 89% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they knew what to expect in a teaching interview and felt well-equipped and confident in presenting themselves for professional interview.
“This exciting collaboration between the Careers Services and the Department of Creative Education equips student teachers with the skills, knowledge and support that they require to prepare for future professional interviews. Joint research confirmed the positive impact of shared expertise, evidenced by increased communication skills, confidence, and interview performance on the part of students”- Fiona O’Donnell, Careers Officer and Dr Pauline Logue, Senior Lecturer, Department of Creative Education, emphasised the impact of research-informed practice.
Deborah Seddon, Careers Officer, highlighted the impact of the Interview Wardrobe initiative and associated supports.
By combining sustainable workwear, employer-led interview practice and expert wellbeing support from the ATU Counselling Service, this initiative ensures students develop the skills, confidence and emotional tools needed to succeed
Sally Reidy, Lecturer at ATU, highlighted the dual benefits of the student pantry initiative.
“Pobal Bia supports ATU students through access to affordable food and also provides our team of volunteers with opportunities to enhance their teamwork and communication skills as they gain practical experience while helping ATU to meet SDGs,” she said.
Winners will be announced at the gradireland Graduate Recruitment Awards, taking place at The Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, 30 April.
Find out more about ATU Careers Service at https://www.atu.ie/student-life/student-support/careers.
Photo caption: Students exploring professional attire options as part of ATU’s “Get Interview Ready” initiative/ Students practising their skills in ATU’s Interview Wardrobe- Get Interview Ready initiative
For media enquiries, contact:
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: 089 963 9559
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie
