Students from Monaghan Institute's Year 1 Information Technology Level 5 class and Year 2 Advanced IT & Business Administration Level 6 class recently travelled to Drachten in Fryslan, Holland to complete 3 weeks work placement as a part of an exchnage programme with our partner college ROC FriesePoort. Students Gene Mc Ginnity, John Mc Keaveney, Ken Dursley, Rachel Mc Cord along with teacher Ray Quinn made the trip initially. Liam Mc Carren, I.T Systems Administrator with Monaghan VEC replaced Ray after a week and a half.

Both Rachel and Ken were placed in TJWebdesign company in Drachten and John and Gene worked in the Computer Division of ROC FriesePoort college itself.

Workplacement for each of our students was organised by our liasion teacher in ROC FriesePoort Mr Evert von Leersum who helped with the trip in every way possible.

Whilst in Drachten, participants were able to explore surrounding towns and cities such as Leeuwarden and Gronnigen.

Additional trips were arranged to the island of Texol in the North of the country as well.

All in all it was a fantastic experience for students and team leaders and it is hoped to expand on the exchange in the future.