CAO 2025: Stem careers key to global success

Given its importance, one might imagine that the pathway to Stem would be obstacle-free. But it is not, writes Rita de Brún

(Left to right) Libby Hudson, TY student at Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter; Education sector lead in Deloitte, Louise McEntee; I Wish co-founders Gillian Keating and Caroline O'Driscoll; and Erin Kinsella, student at Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter at the launch of the I Wish Report 2023 on teenage girls' perspectives on STEM.

The messages echoed loud and clear through Cork City Hall back in November. First, that Stem education and careers are key to solving global challenges — particularly those that impact climate change, medtech, healthcare and robotics AI.

Second, to maintain Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for the tech, pharma, engineering and bioscience industries, we need at least 20% of our primary and secondary students to go on to study Stem.