Communities of Practice are defined as a group of people who share a concern or passion for something they do and want to learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.

We are keen to support members to come together to share, discuss and support each other in relation to practice areas of mutual interest. We see Communities of Practice (CoP) as an ideal mechanism to facilitate member engagement around shared challenges, problems, innovations and ideas.

CoPs are completely autonomous and flexible in terms of topics worked on, time commitment and the process of engagement.

This group aims to share best practices, knowledge, and experience from careers teams across Ireland who provide support to International Students.
1st meeting of the group will take place on Thursday 4th of September at 11 am. We have gathered the following common themes and topics:

1. Awareness of Visas, Work Permits & Policy

2. Student Employability Development

3. Employer Engagement & Advocacy

4. Student Voice & Success Stories

5. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Cultural Difference in Employability

Contact: grainne.carey@universityofgalway.ie

This Research Community of Practice aims to create a collaborative space to share best practices in Careers & Employability and to collectively advance knowledge for our members through research.

Contact: Aoife.Prendergast@tus.ie

The potential and power of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world around us. This impacts us directly as career educators. As professionals we need to ensure we are developing the right skills and knowledge to support our students in terms of their career learning and employability. The focus of the CoP is on augmented intelligence.
The purpose of this community of practice is to provide its members with a collaborative forum to:
– share knowledge, current approaches and capture skill levels across AHECS member institutions
– identify, agree and collaborate on prioritised strategic initiatives to the benefit of all AHECS members
– explore how AI tools can be used to augment career education teaching and practice
– explore how AI-augmented learning can be used to support UDL and access students in the context of the HEA Access Plan 2022-2028
– provide opportunities to AHECS members to learn from subject matter experts on key topics
– develop AI skills that can be used to enhance their professional practice and the employability development of students
– understand how employers are using AI and their requirements in terms of the AI skills expected of graduates and post-graduates
– consider and draft the ethical guidelines for career educators in using AI with reference to the EU AI Act
– Establish and host an annual AI symposium

Contact: Briana Madden @ briana.madden@universityofgalway.ie

This CoP will focus on the exchanging of knowledge and best practice around the use of IT systems within your service and an invitation to join is extended to all AHECS members.

Contact: Jillian O’Mahony @ jillian.omahony@ucc.ie

The aim is to establish a collaborative network of career development professionals dedicated to enhancing the employability of Arts & Creative Industries (ACI) students in Ireland and share best practices, resources, and expertise in supporting ACI students navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of their career paths.
Membership is open to all career development professionals working with ACI students in Irish universities and representation from diverse institutions, disciplines, and levels of experience is encouraged.

Contact: Mary Rose O’Sullivan @ Maryrose.osullivan@mtu.ie

The Internships/Placement Community of Practice aims to offer a collaborative space for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to share knowledge, insights, and practices related to placements, internships, co-ops, and other forms of work-integrated learning.

Discussions cover a wide range of topics including labour market trends, widening participation, student support, health and safety, unpaid internships, and other emerging themes. A key focus for the coming year—based on member feedback—will be exploring how different HEIs are addressing current challenges, such as the role of AI in work integrated earning.

New members, discussion topics, and guest speakers are always welcome.

For more information, contact Cathy Savage (cathy.savage@ucd.ie), Breda Kenna (breda.kenna@universityofgalway.ie) or Clodagh Kerr (c.kerr@ucc.ie)