An abundance of creativity, flourishes of humour, and savvy digital skills were unveiled in the 30-second video submissions for an advertising pitch about future career opportunities in the public sector, organised by publicjobs via its website, www.publicjobs.ie.
More than 100 post-primary students from across the country stepped up to the challenge, with videos in Irish and in English. The winners were announced by publicjobs at an online event today (27.04.22).
The overall winner of this year’s competition is Daithí Ó Loinsigh from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee, Co Kerry. Daithí will have the opportunity to test his media skills by interviewing An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on his career so far.
The joint runners-up are Jennifer Holly, Migha Saji, David Roulston and Shakirat Olayode from Royal and Prior School Raphoe, Co Donegal, and Aoidhbe Ducey and Emma Herlihy from Boherbue Comprehensive School, Co Cork.
The Donegal team will have the opportunity to discover all-action lifesaving skills with a trip to an Irish Coast Guard helicopter base. The team from Cork, meanwhile, will experience behind-the-scenes action and participation in a policing simulation at An Garda Síochána.
Thanking all those who contributed to The Pitch - publicjobs Schools Advertising Challenge, Chief Executive Officer at publicjobs, Shirley Comerford said:
“Without the support of teachers, guidance counsellors and TY coordinators, students may not have had to opportunity to participate in the challenge, and I would like to thank all of the schools involved for their encouragement to the students. Our colleagues in the Department of the Taoiseach, An Garda Síochána and The Irish Coast Guard enthusiastically offered incredible experiential prizes and we are extremely grateful to them. In addition, we have had incredible support from colleagues across the public sector, who contributed to employee stories, and from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and National Counsel for Guidance in Education. I would also like to thank our judging panel for their careful deliberations.”
She added:
“I wish to thank most sincerely all the students who submitted their videos for The Pitch. They reinforce our view that there is a wealth of talent in our younger generation that can make a very positive contribution to our people and our country through public service. Having reviewed the video submissions, it is clear that the future of the public sector is bright. My congratulations to the winner and the joint runners-up. Enjoy the wonderful experience of your amazing prizes.”
Commending all the participants and congratulating the winners, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath said:
“Everyone who participated in this challenge has contributed to our understanding of what the public sector means to young people. Our challenge is to use that to encourage young people to consider public service career opportunities. I wish to congratulate the winner and joint runners-up. I look forward to hearing about the wonderful experiences ahead in the coming weeks as they avail of their prizes.”
The winning teams will take up their prizes in the coming weeks. The winning videos can be viewed below.
Overall winner:
- Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee, Co Kerry
Joint runners-up:
- Royal and Prior School, Raphoe, Co Donegal
- Boherbue Comprehensive School, Co Cork