You don’t have to go far to Dream Big!

DREAMBIG is an initiative within the Midlands Cluster ( Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath) to engage and educate TY and 5th Year students for the need to explore their career ambitions, improved digital literacy skills and the benefits to advanced manufacturing within the Region for future job opportunities and training for life. 

DREAMBIG is something that is often encouraged but perhaps overlooked. This was not the case in Laois as DREAMBIG program became a reality during Science week, 11th - 15th November.

 

Promoting manufacturing growth through technology

DREAMBIG week was offered to TY and 5th year students in all 9 secondary schools in Laois with 24 students from 6 schools taking part. These students gained knowledge, engaged in hands-on experience, and were guided in how to pursue careers in the in the manufacturing sector, either through university, PLCs, and apprenticeships. DREAMBIG partnered with the ‘Engineering Your Future’ Program with Engineers Ireland to provide additional support and resources for students.

(DREAMBIG) Laois students that were a part of Dream Big location in Irish Manufacturing Research, Mullingar

 

Laois Broadband Officer with Laois County Council, Antoinette Brennan said that “Today’s students may face a shortage of jobs in the region, however with the broadband infrastructure now 80% complete in Laois this ensures the growth and development of existing and future businesses in advanced manufacturing to stay up to date on the world stage and choose Laois as a location to stay as well as giving opportunities to new companies to start and grow their business.”

Antoinette added, “Our work in Laois County Council has helped create further opportunities for these businesses, increase company efficiency, implement best-practises in sustainability and environmental responsibility, and build on a local workforce where young people do not have to worry about leaving Laois to get jobs in the future, preserving our local communities.” 

She acknowledged and thanked the businesses in Laois that were invaluable contributors to this year’s DREAMBIG program include CJ Sheeran, Midland Steel, and Kirby Group, noting their pride and passion for their own Industry and the industries as a collective in Laois. All three companies were very engaging and extremely helpful to the students, expressing the opportunities to build one’s career within the industry through manufacturing, administration and management which really opened the students’ minds. The three Laois Companies were complimented by Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar and the Engineering Faculty of TUS Athlone during the week.

(DREAMBIG) At Midlands Steel. The students visited both sites in Mountmellick and Portlaoise

 

STEM Engagement Officer with Laois County Council, Seanie Morris states that DREAMBIG was not just about meeting companies and seeing what they do:

“24 students from 6 secondary schools were allowed access to otherwise-restricted areas of these advanced manufacturing companies to see first-hand the development in new technologies in their business operations and witness their sustainability ethics to minimise waste. Some of these technological advancements are one-of-a-kind in the world, developed right here in the midlands through progressive design, research, development and testing phases along the way. So many unique career paths have opened that we hope today’s students will not travel far for their next dream job.”

(DREAMBIG) Outside Kirby Group headquarters in Portlaoise before starting their site-wide tour

 

Reaching beyond expectations

Minister Peter Burke, who attended the programme’s closing event in TUS Athlone, emphasised the value of investing in the region’s future workforce. “For Ireland’s manufacturing base to remain competitive, especially here in the Midlands, we need to equip our young people with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. The DREAMBIG programme is a shining example of what can be achieved when industry, local government, and education come together to create opportunities for our youth,” he said.

Simon Walton Director of Services in Laois County Council, representing the Midlands local authorities, echoed the Minister’s sentiment, highlighting the collaborative effort behind DREAMBIG. “This programme demonstrates the power of regional partnerships. By working together, we’re not just showcasing career opportunities but actively investing in the sustainability and competitiveness of our local economy. DREAMBIG is a testament to what can be achieved when stakeholders unite with a shared vision.”

(DREAMBIG) At CJ Sheeran in Mountrath where sustainable practices were exhibited

 

Caitríona Mordan, (Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing) ATIM Cluster Manager and the driving force behind DREAMBIG, described the programme’s unique impact: “This is more than a career exploration initiative—it’s about creating an ecosystem where industry, government, educators, and the community collaborate to support young people. DREAMBIG allows students to see first-hand that they can thrive in exciting, innovative careers without needing to leave their region. This benefits not just the students but ensures companies and the Midlands region remain competitive and prosperous.”

Ashleigh Doyle, from CJ Sheeran’s, an industry partner who hosted students during the programme, added, “It was inspiring to see how enthusiastic the students were. They came curious and left inspired, with a better understanding of what a career in manufacturing could look like. Programmes like this are essential for shaping the next generation of talent in our sector.”

Students themselves shared their excitement, with one participant saying, “I had no idea there were so many amazing companies right here in the Midlands. DREAMBIG was an incredible opportunity to explore manufacturing up close and get hands-on experience. It’s made me think differently about what I can achieve.”

(DREAMBIG) The closing ceremony was held in TUS Athlone with Minister Peter Burke in attendance

 

The Future

DREAMBIG’s ultimate goal is to promote the manufacturing and engineering sector in the midlands as a source of high-value, long-term employment for these students, and to create supported (financial and mentorship) career pathways after they leave school either into third level, PLC courses or apprenticeships. The program is coordinated between the four local authorities in the Midland Cluster: Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford in association with the ATIM Cluster in TUS Athlone.