Research finds transition year a positive experience

Transition year is a largely positive experience in which students appreciate getting a taste for different subjects and the opportunity to get work experience, research has found.

However, the study by the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union also highlights difficulties accessing work experience in rural areas, and the restrictions of funding shortages were raised by schools’ co-ordinators of TY programmes.

From focus groups and online survey responses of 1,323 students, it emerged that more than three quarters felt TY was a worthwhile experience and 85% felt they learned new skills.