Louth students celebrate success at regional advanced manufacturing awards

Now in its fourth year, the LMETB’s innovative FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project continues to lead the way in bridging the gap between education and industry. Unique in Ireland, the yearlong initiative brings together Further Education and Training (FET), local industry, and secondary schools to introduce Transition Year students to the world of STEM while also developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and creative thinking. Dundalk was proudly represented at this year’s awards, with students from O’Fiaich College taking home honours for Best Presentation. Additionally, Dunleer's Scoil Ui Mhuiri saw success when their team That’s Sum Hack Engineering group won the Best Inspiration, Problem Solving and Development category with its ‘Clix’ project.

The judges at the Awards Ceremony in Drogheda Institute of Further Education for the LMETB AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project were treated to a welcome display of creativity, dedication, passion and teamwork by the finalists at the presentation of projects.

The team of judges, subject matter experts in industry, education and training, assessed 18 projects undertaken by the groups of TY students from five schools in Co Louth and ten in Co. Meath. 

The project brief entailed formulation of teams, assignment of group tasks, development of design and 3D print solutions that tackle real-life challenges. The programme themes guiding project design encompassed: Mental health and disabilities, Environment, Technology, Health, and Sport. 

During the academic year, the students attended interactive workshops in the LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk where they received training in design thinking, 3D concept design and printing, virtual reality welding, cybersecurity and robotics.

Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET at LMETB said, “This event is the culmination of a year's work by groups in school, a celebration of creativity, of innovation and of the talent of the young people in 15 schools under the auspices of LMETB.  The ongoing success of the Advanced Manufacturing FET Pathways Schools Project is testament to the true partnership between FET, schools and Industry, whose engagement and active participation is central to the success of this initiative.”

The overall winner at the Awards Ceremony was ‘the Sliders’ group from Enfield Community College who took home the winner’s trophy with its ‘Sit2Stand’ project, which aids people with mobility issues to stand efficiently using furniture already in their home, avoiding excess costs.

Second place went to ‘the Coaster Crew’ from Dunshaughlin Community College for its ‘Anti Spill Coaster’, a new and improved design to help people with Parkinson’s. 

‘The TG Tidy Group’ from St. Oliver Post-Primary in Oldcastle won third prize for its ‘TG Tidy’ a product designed to organise the many drawing tools needed for students studying Design and Communication Graphics.

Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools at LMETB, said ““This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, industry and further education work together. It not only equips students with hands-on STEM experience but also empowers them with the critical skills they’ll need for the future — creativity, communication, collaboration and resilience. The standard of work this year has been exceptional and reflects the incredible potential of our students across Louth and Meath.”

Read Next: Dundalk IT student represents Ireland at global competition

There were also six category winners: The G&L Printing group from Colaiste na hInse won the Best Use of Software category for its ‘Just in Case!’ project; Beaufort College’s People’s Prints group won the Best Use of 3D Printing category with its ‘Water Bottle Gadget’; the Wheeley Boys from St. Oliver’s Community College won the Best Customisation and Design Improvement category for ‘Wheeley Clip’; O’Fiaich College’s  KTM group won Best Presentation category for ‘Shark Grip’ while the Best Teamwork accolade went to the Handy Helpers in Colaiste Clavin for its ‘Handy Helper’ idea.

LMETB stated that: “LMETB acknowledges the fulsome support of SOLAS, under the auspices of DFHERIS, the state agency responsible for Further Education and Training, in supporting delivery of this innovative and highly successful project.”