Build your workforce

Connect your business with the future, support student learning and discovery in STEM.

FOR BUSINESS

Why Partner with STEM South West

Today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators — and your future workforce. By getting involved with STEM South West, your business can play an active role in developing the skills and ambitions of young people across the South West of Ireland.
We help businesses connect with schools, support local education, and showcase real-world STEM careers — all while advancing your community engagement, talent development, and employer branding goals.

Explore the Benefits

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Business Benefits

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Your Key Advantages

How You Can Benefit

Partner on STEM Programmes

We work with businesses of all sizes and sectors to co-create and deliver impactful STEM initiatives. Whether you can contribute time, resources, funding, or expertise, there’s a way to get involved that aligns with your values and capacity

  • Sponsor or co-deliver STEM events and competitions
  • Support curriculum-linked activities
  • Provide insight into emerging STEM careers and technologies
  • Build long-term partnerships with local schools and colleges
Business professional networking during a STEM South West partnership event.

Volunteer Your Team’s Time and Talent

Your employees can make a huge impact simply by sharing what they know. We coordinate volunteer opportunities for professionals who want to inspire and mentor the next generation.

  • Deliver career talks or classroom sessions
  • Take part STEM South West EXPO
  • Become a mentor to a student or group
  • Join our list of guest speakers and ambassadors
Teacher explains microscope use to a student during a STEM South West science session.

Offer Industry Placements & Experiences

Help students gain first-hand insights into the world of work by opening your doors. We facilitate structured work experience placements and workplace visits that are aligned with students’ curriculum and career interests.

  • Host TY or transition-year students for short placements
  • Offer summer internships or project-based placements
  • Provide teacher visits or “day-in-the-life” sessions
  • Give students a tour of your workplace
Young woman works on a robotics project during a STEM South West programme, with a classmate observing in the background.

Host or Support STEM Workshops

Bring learning to life by offering practical, engaging activities that reflect your industry’s expertise. We can help you design and deliver workshops that link directly to real skills and jobs.

  • In-school or on-site delivery
  • Hands-on experiments, demonstrations, or simulations
  • Align with specific themes like sustainability, robotics, biotech, or design
  • Co-brand with your organisation for extra visibility
Secondary school students in uniform smiling and working together during a STEM South West programme activity.

Promote Careers in Your Industry

Many students (and parents!) aren’t aware of the wide range of roles and pathways in STEM. Help us change that by raising awareness of your sector and career opportunities:

  • Feature in our STEM Career Spotlight series
  • Share employee stories and day-in-the-life videos
  • Take part in Q&A panels, podcasts, or info campaigns
  • Support career education resources for schools
Man wearing headphones takes notes while working on a laptop during an online STEM South West business session.

we’re here to support your work

Let’s Start the Conversation

Whether you’re ready to jump in or just want to explore the possibilities, we’d love to hear from you.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

WHAT’S ON

Upcoming Events

  • January 21, 2027 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

    Maryborough Hotel & Spa

    STEM Awards Dinner 2026

    The STEM South West Awards Dinner returns next January following the success of its second ceremony in 2025, which recognised the extraordinary individuals, organisations, and initiatives driving STEM innovation and engagement across the region. This formal evening event honours outstanding contributions in Education, Industry, Community, and the prestigious Person of the Year category — highlighting the people and projects that are shaping the future of [...]

  • October 16 @ 7:30 am - 9:00 pm

    Maryborough Hotel & Spa

    Leaders Dialogue 3 – Oct 2026

    How prepared is your organisation for AI-enabled workforces, AI-ready graduates and the next wave of STEM skills demand?" or something like that i can add more colour if you need it? STEM South West is hosting its upcoming Leadership Dialogue on Friday, October 16th, bringing together industry experts and professionals for an engaging morning of networking and discussion. Speakers [...]

  • November 18 @ 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Cork City Hall

    STEM South West Careers and Pathways Expo 2026

    Celebrating Innovation. Connecting Futures. Inspiring the Next Generation. What is the STEM South West Careers & Pathways Expo? The STEM South West annual STEM Careers and Pathways Expo is a vibrant, full-day event that brings together students, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across the South West region to celebrate the power and [...]

Interesting facts about STEM

Did you Know?

STEM careers span medicine, gaming, design, robotics & more

Engineering is one of Ireland’s most in-demand careers

Girls are equally likely to excel in STEM – let’s close the gap

0%

of future jobs will require STEM skills

TESTIMONIALS

From Business Partners

“Being part of the STEM Southwest Cluster has inspired collaboration among companies to support Education outreach initiatives. This helps schools have a coordinated approach and make a real impact on the future talent pipeline.”

Marguerite O’Sullivan, Senior Engineer Strategy Leader, Kenvue

“Before I attended the STEM South West Expo, I had never considered a career in science or technology. I enjoyed maths and biology, but I didn’t know how they connected to real jobs. That all changed when I got to meet people working in engineering and healthcare innovation. I saw real-world applications of what we learn in school, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities.”

“Thanks to STEM South West, I’m now planning to study Biomedical Engineering at university. The event gave me confidence, direction, and a genuine excitement for my future. I even connected with a mentor from a local medtech company who has been incredibly encouraging. It’s amazing how one event can change your perspective so completely.”

SARAH O’CONNELL, TY STUDENT
“Before STEM South West, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take after school. I enjoyed physics but never knew how it could translate into a career. At the expo, I spoke to people working in space tech and software development, and it was like a lightbulb went on.”

“Since then, I’ve started looking into engineering apprenticeships and college courses in robotics. I also got involved in a coding initiative for teens, which has been brilliant. The event showed me that STEM isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone who’s curious and ready to learn.”

EMILY DUNNE, TY STUDENT
business testimonials