Global Growth of BTE

BTE Student Stories

In 2005, Johnson & Johnson launched its first Bridge to Employment (BTE) program outside of the United States in Cork, Ireland. BTE-Cork was designed to foster a positive attitude in the science industry for students and create pathways for students to enroll and succeed in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and the University of Cork College (UCC).

BTE-Cork, Ireland initially hosted hands-on programs for 160 students and parent information sessions. The Johnson & Johnson Companies in Cork, DePuy, Janseen Biologics (then known as Centocor), and Janssen Pharmaceutical, partnered with three schools in the Northside of Cork City, while engaging student leaders to help design the program. Over time, select BTE students participated in intensive job shadowing experiences, exposing students to the work of work and a roadmap to attain those careers.

While BTE-Cork’s corporate grant ended in 2008, local partners have sustained the program. In October 2014, BTE-Cork, Ireland launched its third cycle and is now supported by Cork City and the Johnson & Johnson companies in Cork. In fact, the program has expanded to nine additional schools.