University of Limerick has marked the 50th anniversary of its groundbreaking and ‘visionary’ Cooperative Education programme, a trailblazer in work-integrated learning in Ireland.
Over the past five decades, UL has established the largest Cooperative Education (Co-op) programme in Europe, annually placing over 2,600 students in organisations across all five continents.
The Co-op programme’s compulsory and inclusive nature sets it apart in both Irish and European contexts. It offers placement opportunities to students from all disciplines and vocational orientations, as a formal, accredited element of their degree programme.
At an event in Plassey House to mark the 50th anniversary of the pioneering programme Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins praised Co-op’s visionary beginnings and its continuing transformative impact on students in 2024.
“The Cooperative Education programme was incredibly visionary at its inception and remains absolutely formative and transformative for our students today,” he said.
“Today, we honour a programme that has become a cornerstone of our student experience, shaping the lives and careers of over 130,000 graduates.
“Cooperative Education at UL is not just a programme; it is a journey that transforms students into professionals, ready to take on the challenges of the world. Our Co-op programme is one of the largest in Europe, securing over 2,600 placements annually with a network of more than 4,000 employers across various industries. This wide reach ensures that our students gain invaluable hands-on experience, applying their academic knowledge in real-world settings.
“It is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. By participating in co-op placements, students gain firsthand experience in their chosen fields, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. This exposure to real-world work environments helps students develop a deeper understanding of their industries and the skills required to succeed.”
Professor Kilcommins, whose own co-op experience took him to Germany for the first time as a European Studies student, said: “I not only improved my language skills but also gained a profound understanding of diverse cultures and work environments.
“My co-op was the first time I travelled outside Ireland, and it opened my mind to the possibilities the world had to offer. My story is just one of many that highlight the personal and professional growth our students experience during their co-op placements. The program helps students develop essential skills such as teamwork, decision-making, and communication, making them career-ready and confident.
It also fosters personal growth, allowing students to learn about themselves and make informed decisions about their future careers.”
Reflecting on the programme’s inception, Dr Ed Walsh, UL’s founding president who was a special guest at the event in Plassey House, shared his own memories of its foundation.
“I remember standing in this room, bringing together sceptical parents and community leaders, explaining our vision. The most mysterious of all was Cooperative Education,” he said.
He added: “Once the word spread about co-op, applications soared.”
Dr Walsh honoured the programme’s past achievements and highlighted its ongoing impact on students and the community. He also expressed optimism for the next 50 years of continued success and innovation.
Dr Patrice Twomey, Director of UL’s Cooperative Education and Careers Division who hosted the event, said: “To really understand Cooperative Education is to appreciate its fundamental role as a disruptor. And to recognise that the greatest learning on co-op is located within that disruption, that friction, that discommoding experience.”