STEM South West Expo 2023 to Host Annual Showcase

STEM South West is back for its fifth year, promising to be the biggest and best one yet – this time taking over Cork City Hall on Wednesday, November 22nd, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Event organisers are calling on secondary students, their parents and teachers to join them for an exciting afternoon journey within the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Ireland offers an incredible range of opportunities to students who choose to study STEM subjects. These subjects not only serve as the bedrock for so many careers but can also be the ticket for students and young graduates to explore the world, discover, learn and find new ways and means to make a positive impact on themselves and on the lives of others.

Every step towards positive change matters as our global society faces critical issues around health, climate change, housing, energy and the very future of how we live and work. Investing in those who will hold the future in their hands, inspiring and equipping them to learn, lead and innovate is the right thing to do.

To maintain Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for tech, pharma, medtech, engineering and bioscience industries, STEM South West seeks to inspire at least 20% of the 916,000 children and young learners in Irish schools to consider a career in STEM. In support of that effort, it is joining forces with industry and education partners on this live showcase event. Free for all, they will be welcomed from all corners of the country to get a glimpse into the exciting possibilities and opportunities that await them in any STEM field they choose.

Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, speaking at the event launch, commented, “I commend the leadership and long-term view being taken to encourage the STEM champions of tomorrow by STEM South West and its industry and education partners. Our Irish economy is thriving through the direct contribution of a skilled STEM workforce, which is integral to our diverse industry sectors. I encourage all students and parents to come along, participate and enjoy the immersive experience.”

Visitors will get to explore exhibits from some of the biggest employers in the country, including Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Gilead Sciences, Plas Engineering, MTU, UCC, Analog, Horner, PepsiCo, Astellas, and many more. The impact of previous events has been noteworthy, with 9 out of 10 students expressing an increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM after attending the event (held virtually in recent years).

During the event launch, Marguerite O’Sullivan, Chair of STEM South West, said, “The work that STEM South West is doing is necessary to ensure that our current STEM industry base is secure, that companies continue to locate in Ireland, that our start-ups and SMEs are given the opportunity to thrive, and that the students of today are given the skills to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow. STEM South West is driving a collective response to this – by showcasing the incredible range of opportunities that the STEM sector has to offer across the South West.”

The enthusiastic participation of industry experts and organisations underscores the significance of this event in fostering the ongoing growth and prosperity of STEM industries in the region.

Teachers and Guidance Counsellors will have a dedicated section at the event where they can learn first-hand about the career options now available in the STEM sector in this region.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stem-south-west-expo-2023-tickets-722788127747