Tag: secondary

Shannon Airport to host inspiring Explore Engineering Showcase for 5th consecutive year

For the fifth consecutive year, the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport will be transformed to host the highly anticipated Explore Engineering Showcase 2026 on Thursday 5th March. This inspiring event brings together 2,000 senior-cycle secondary school students, teachers, their parents, professionals, and industry leaders for a dynamic celebration of engineering excellence and innovation.

Established in 2015, this annual event provides a unique platform for students and emerging engineers to speak directly with over 60 engineering companies in the Mid-West and gain insights into the latest technological advancements.

Key educational institutions from across the Mid-West will come together to showcase the diverse pathways open to students, from apprenticeships and training bodies to third-level programmes, for students, parents, guidance counsellors, and teachers.

Speaking today, Eimear Brophy, Chairperson of Explore Engineering, said: “The Explore Engineering Showcase is about inspiring future engineers and connecting them with real training and career opportunities close to home. We invite students, their parents, and educators to join us in Shannon Airport as we showcase the very best of what the Mid-West region has to offer the future of engineering talent.” 

Commenting on the event, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “It’s a real honour for us to host the Explore Engineering Showcase in Shannon Airport. Engineering and aviation go hand in hand and several of the companies participating are an integral part of the Shannon Airport Business Park, where innovation and creativity thrive. It’s wonderful to see the curiosity and passion for engineering this event helps to ignite in students – future talent who will undoubtedly play an important role in our business and the wider region in the years ahead.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, witness live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and problem-solving skills.

The Explore Engineering Showcase takes place in the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport on Thursday 5th March 2026. Admission and parking are free. Pre-registration is not required. Doors open from 5pm.

 

Three-Quarters of Adults Want AI & Coding Taught in Schools

A new national survey commissioned by STEM South West, the not-for-profit organisation promoting STEM education and careers, shows there is strong public support for preparing the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world.

Three-quarters of adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with junior secondary (12-15 years) seen as the ideal stage. Young adults strongly favour early AI education, while older adults and lower-income groups are more likely to prefer optional learning.

These results come on the back of the STEM South West Awards 2025, held last night at Cork County Hall, which celebrated excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) (See Winners list below). The awards recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements drive innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sector across the South West region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries.

Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, commented,
“This latest research shows that AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is strong demand for adoption in school. There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape. Tonight’s awards showcase the people and organisations who are already leading the way in preparing our next generation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Ms. Good added,

“This evening is all about celebration and recognition. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.”

Reflecting on both the survey findings and the achievements recognised at the STEM South West Awards, Mary Good added:

“These results show that the adoption and education of our students with AI skills is critical. It’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry to work together to future-proof Ireland’s workforce.”

Key insights from the STEM South West AI & Future Skills survey:

  • Support for AI education cuts across demographics, with 75% of adults overall backing the introduction of coding and AI literacy in schools, even among groups most worried about changing job descriptions as a result of AI progression.
  • Younger adults show a pragmatic outlook, with 79% of 18-24-year-olds concerned about job security with advances in AI, yet a strong majority supporting the teaching of coding and AI skills in schools, particularly at junior secondary level (12-15 years).

STEM South West Awards 2025 Winners

STEM in Industry: Company of the Year
The award celebrates organisations creating a proactive, inclusive, and supportive environment for STEM, both internally and through outreach initiatives:

  • Small/Startup (up to 50 Employees): CompuCal Calibration Solutions
  • Small to Medium (50 – 249 Employees): MACOM
  • Large (250+ Employees): Analog Devices

STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year
Recognises educational institutes, departments, and classroom-led initiatives that foster inclusive STEM learning:

  • Primary Level: Firies National School, Killarney
  • Secondary Level: Coláiste Muire Crosshaven
  • Third Level: STEM Teacher Internship Programme

STEM in the Community:

  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Large): Johnson & Johnson
  • Best Expo Exhibitor (Small): Reliance
  • Inspirational STEM Volunteer of the Year: Shane Ruddle, Gilead
  • STEM Initiative of the Year Award: Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork

STEM Person of the Year: Michael Loftus, MTU

Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA and member of the judging panel, said:
“Congratulations to STEM South West and all of the finalists and winners for their commitment of time, expertise, and resources in support of STEM skills development and education. Their efforts will provide opportunity for the next generation and future-proof the talent pipeline to sustain the long-term success of STEM industries across the South West region.”

Revolut announces secondary share sale to provide employee liquidity

Revolut, the global financial technology company with over 45 million customers worldwide, has signed agreements with a group of leading technology investors to provide liquidity to employees through a secondary share sale at a $45 billion valuation. 

This secondary share sale allows current employees to capitalise on their contribution to Revolut’s growth, while attracting a diverse mix of both new and existing investors. The round was led by Coatue, D1 Capital Partners, and existing investor Tiger Global. 

This valuation reflects the strong financial performance recorded by the company in recent quarters as well as the progress made in executing its strategic objectives. In 2023, Revolut reported revenues of $2.2 billion (a year on year increase of 95%) and a record profit before tax of $545 million. The company has continued its impressive trajectory in the first half of  2024, recording an annual increase in revenue of above 80% as well as improved profitability. Revolut is now the fastest growing finance app in 19 markets, and is on track to surpass 50 million customers by the end of 2024. 

This latest development builds on the momentum Revolut has gained throughout the year. The company secured a banking licence in Mexico, followed by the granting of its UK banking licence (Authorisation with Restrictions) in July, an important step in the company’s continued expansion both in the UK and globally. Additionally, Revolut announced the launch of several new products including the RevPoints Loyalty Programme, eSIMs, and the Revolut X crypto exchange. 

Nik Storonsky, CEO of Revolut, commented: “We’re delighted to provide the opportunity to our employees to realise the benefits of the company’s collective success. It’s their hard work, innovation, and dedication that has driven us to become the most valuable private technology company in Europe. We’re also excited to partner with several new investors who share our vision as we continue our journey to redefine the banking landscape as we’ve known it.” 

“We have a high level of conviction in Revolut’s mission to democratize access to financial services globally,” shared Philippe Laffont, Founder and Portfolio Manager, Coatue. “Revolut’s proven ability to scale across dozens of markets is a testament to the team’s commitment to product velocity, financial inclusion, and financial innovation. Under Nik and 

his team’s leadership, Revolut has navigated the complexities of the financial services landscape to deliver an impressive product suite that meets the needs of its rapidly growing customer base. We look forward to supporting Revolut as it continues to help transform the global banking industry.” 

Morgan Stanley served as sole placement agent on the transaction. 

Secondary school boosted by literary donation from Amazon in Dublin

A secondary school in Dublin has received a donation of books and bookcases worth over €1,000 from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin.

Pobalscoil Neasáin, located in Baldoyle, provides a caring learning environment for both staff and students to reach their full potential.

The team from Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin visited the school to deliver and set up eight bookcases for the school’s library, as well as donating over 50 books including Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre collections.

Gedvis Venckus, an Amazon employee who set up the bookcases at the school, said:

“The team and I had a fantastic time setting up the bookcases for the pupils at Pobalscoil Neasáin. It was a pleasure to help revitalise the library with a range of books, too. It has been a while since I’ve visited a school which brought back many great memories and it was great to see pupils helping us out. As someone who grew up reading Edgar Allan Poe, I hope the pupils get as much enjoyment out of his work as I did.”

Darragh Kelly, General Manager at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dublin, said:

“We’re proud to support Pobalscoil Neasáin with this donation of books and bookshelves. Our team really enjoyed helping to spruce up the school’s library and I hope the staff and pupils are pleased with the results and are benefitting from the new books.”

Julia Galiza, a student from Pobalscoil Neasáin, added:

“On behalf of everyone at Pobalscoil Neasáin, I would like to say thank you to the team from Amazon in Dublin for their support. This donation of books will help myself and my peers to engage in reading and have a better understanding of classic literature.”

The donation to Pobalscoil Neasáin was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations in Ireland.

Since opening its doors in 2022, the Dublin fulfilment centre has supported many community organisations locally, with donations totalling €46,000. Charities supported by the team at the fulfilment centre include Cliona’s Foundation, Jigsaw and LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

The Amazon fulfilment centre in Dublin, the first of its kind in Ireland, opened in August 2022 providing more than 500 new permanent jobs. The 630,000 square foot centre at Baldonnell Business Park in Dublin holds millions of items that are picked, packed and shipped to customers across Ireland and the rest of Europe.