UL Staff Volunteering with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI)

Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI) is a member of one of the world’s largest educational non-profits, encouraging young people to stay in school and prepare for their futures by delivering hands-on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, employability, financial literacy and the value of STEMM.

Each year JAI activities are enjoyed by more than 60,000 students, from over 500 primary and second level schools all over Ireland, supported by 3,000 volunteers from the world of work (in ca 160 organisations), who are each trained and equipped to complement the efforts of teachers and families in helping young people see the value of staying in school and maximising their potential .

In 2020/21 there are nine programmes available for volunteers to facilitate in the virtual learning environment spanning primary and second level and ranging in topics from the power of design, to the value of studying STEM, entrepreneurship and employability. All programmes are linked to the aims of the formal curriculum and serve to enhance each partner school’s co-curricular activities.

There are a number of ways to get involved including Virtual Volunteering which combines combines traditional and digital methods allowing volunteers to facilitate programmes via classrooms’ interactive whiteboards. 

As volunteers you have inspired the next generation. Thank you. 

Students from Corpus Christi National School, Limerick

Learn about volunteering opportunities for UL staff

JAI Programmes

  • Primary Level - Our Community, Our City, It's My Business, Power of Design, Energize (STEM)
  • Second Level - Career Success, Enterprise in Action, Finance Your Future
  • Senior cycle masterclass - JA Inspire

Full training is provided for each option and in-classroom learning materials are delivered directly to the school. The local JAI coordinator is available for support at all stages of the programme.  If you have any questions please get in touch with your JA Coordinator Teresa Leahy. Email tleahy@jai.ie.

primary school students participating in JAI programme UL engage

JAI results and impact video

Terms and Conditions 

Requirements
Volunteering with JAI involves delivering a 30-40 minute programme in a school classroom environment once a week for 4/5 weeks. Full training is provided by JAI and lasts 2.5 hours in total, delivered virtually. Approximately 20 UL staff will be given the opportunity to volunteer with JAI in any given year.

Allocation of schools and age-group is decided in consultation between UL volunteers and JAI. Currently, all JAI volunteer work is delivered virtually with the support of the teacher in the classroom.

All UL Staff may apply to volunteer with JAI. No particular prior training or subject expertise is required. The following conditions apply:

  • If you decide to volunteer with JAI, you must inform your line manager.
  • JAI volunteer activities may take place during contracted working hours.
  • Currently all training and course delivery is online. Post-COVID, reasonable travel time is permitted but expenses may not be claimed.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that JAI volunteer activities do not interfere with the performance of normal contracted duties.
  • Line-managers may request staff delay or cease JAI volunteer activities where such activities are seen to be interfering with normal contracted duties.
  • JAI volunteer activities must not give rise to any conflict of interest for the individual member of staff or for the University
  • You will be Garda vetted. This is a straightforward process and is managed by JAI.
  • JAI volunteer work may be logged on your CPD Training Record. Please email details to Hrbookings@ul.ie