9/04/2026
Aoife Prendergast FIEP has spent her career at the intersection of higher education and the world of work, helping students bridge the gap between learning and employment through high-quality placements, targeted employability programmes, and a deep commitment to practice-based education. The IEP is proud to welcome her to the Fellowship, recognising the breadth and depth of her contribution to the sector in Ireland and internationally.
Aoife is the Careers & Employability Manager for the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), where she leads the development and delivery of comprehensive work placement and employability initiatives across seven campuses in the Midlands and Midwest. A recognised leader in practice-based learning, her Fellowship sits alongside a distinguished portfolio of professional recognition — including being awarded Principal Fellowship with Advance HE (PFHEA) in December 2025, and being selected as one of the Top 50 Voices in Higher Education by Vevox in 2026.
“Becoming a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals (FIEP) represents a significant milestone in my career and a deep commitment to the professionalisation of the employability sector,” Aoife said.
“My primary motivation for seeking Fellowship was to align my strategic work at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) with a global network of experts dedicated to excellence in practice. In a rapidly evolving labour market, I believe it is essential to champion high standards and evidence-based approaches that directly improve outcomes for students and the wider workforce.”
Aoife’s career has been built on a deep foundation in practice placement education and work-based learning. Prior to her current role, Aoife served as a Lecturer at TUS Midwest and TU Dublin, developing a strong understanding of student learning and professional development that continues to inform her strategic leadership today. That specialist expertise found a wider audience in 2024 with the publication of her co-authored book, Social Care Practice Placement: An Essential Guide — a resource that speaks to her commitment to supporting both students and educators navigating the complexities of effective placement education.
Aoife has served as Chairperson of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland Equality Council, as both Secretary General and President of the European Social Education Board (FESET), and is a member of the Council for Gaisce, The President’s Award – a breadth of contribution that reflects a sustained dedication to advancing professional standards and equality in education.
At TUS, Aoife’s focus is on ensuring students are equipped with the skills and experience needed for successful career transitions, through high-quality placement opportunities and targeted employability programmes that respond to the demands of a changing economy.
For Aoife, Fellowship represents both a responsibility and an opportunity to shape the wider conversation around work-based learning and career development:
“To me, Fellowship means more than just a title; it is a platform for leadership and collaborative advocacy. It signifies a responsibility to mentor the next generation of practitioners and to contribute to the international dialogue on work-based learning and career development.
“Being part of the IEP Fellowship community allows me to share the insights gained from my work in Irish higher education while learning from global best practice, ensuring that our efforts to empower individuals through sustainable employment remain at the forefront of educational and economic policy.”
The IEP Fellowship is awarded to leaders who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to improving the employability sector, driving innovation, and creating lasting social impact. Aoife’s record across higher education leadership, international advocacy, published research, and student employability exemplifies those values.
As a Fellow, Aoife will continue to bridge the worlds of higher education and employability practice – mentoring the next generation of professionals, contributing to international dialogue, and helping to ensure that students across Ireland and beyond are empowered to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.
About the IEP Fellowship
Fellows of the IEP are a community of passionate and influential professionals from within the Employability sector. They work to share best practice through the sector, and also to support the vision and mission of the IEP.
Fellows of the IEP are usually expected to have been in the Employability or a related sector for at least 7 years, to have participated in or supported external activities across the sector, to be prepared to play a role in advancing the sector, and to be committed to Continued Professional Development.
Candidates undergo a professional development interview. This is vital to the professional standing of IEP and means that its Fellows readily command respect both within and beyond the sector. Candidates are welcomed from across the full spectrum of Employability, so whether you’re a frontline adviser or a senior director, if you can meet the criteria your application will be welcome.
Fellows benefit from special services including invitations to participate in the IEP Summit and regular Fellows Networking Dinners, which take place throughout the year.
Interested in applying for IEP Fellowship? Find out more and apply here.