Image: Gerard McCarthy

• Co-authors decided to act after study found that  75% of TY students are worried about their future career path.

‘Engineering in the World,’ the first in a planned series of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) books was launched today in the Vertigo room of Cork’s County Hall, aimed at the Irish 16-18 year old market.

Co-authors Susan HayesCulleton and Marguerite O’Sullivan joined forces to create an engaging and practical guide for Transition Year students interested in exploring the world of STEM. The publication, which will be made available to every school across the country, is designed to suit all types of learners.

The authors were motivated to write the book following their concern at findings revealed in a 2022 survey* which showed:  

• Three out of four TY students were worried about their future career path
• Some were concerned as to whether they will love their job and if they will make the right career choice
• Others voiced concern that their chosen field and skill sets may eventually be made redundant by technology and their capacity to adapt to that

The book helps students to recognise engineering in everyday life and its direct influence in solving common problems. The authors also share their knowledge, insights and expert advice on the exciting variety of careers open to those that choose engineering as they move forward on their education journey.

Susan HayesCulleton said:

“We worked to address those challenges head on within ‘Engineering in the World.’ Our focus was to write with clarity and to remove misconceptions about careers in STEM.”

Marguerite O’Sullivan added:

“We believe that we can improve the opportunities for young people and employers across the STEM sector. Our book adopts a new approach and, together with real world teaching in the classroom, we are excited that our combined decades of experience and practical guidance will serve the educational curriculum for TY students in every school across the country.” 

Speaking at the book’s launch, Sharon Corcoran, Director of Economic Development & Tourism, Cork County Council said:

“In the face of ongoing demand for engineers and STEM skills for our economic development, supporting our young learners through education is key. We’re delighted to sponsor this first of a kind book, which seeks to showcase engineering skills and jobs to Transition Year students.” 

The book is written as a stand-alone STEM module for TY students to explore engineering as a career or for further study and designed to suit all types of learners, from visual to logical to active. The publication is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, John Sisk & Son and Cork County Council and will be available in every school in the country, through publisher and distributor EdCo.

Anna Rafferty, Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland commented:

“As a company with an 80 year history in Ireland, employing over 6,000 people across our sites, we recognise the importance of inspiring students to consider a career in STEM. Our success is built on the talent of our people, and we are committed to igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the STEM leaders of tomorrow, and maintaining a robust talent pipeline to support the life sciences industry. This book showcases the real-world applications of engineering and the endless possibilities that a STEM career can offer. We take great pride in supporting this initiative, playing our part in lighting up the path towards a brighter future, built on a passion for innovation.”

Michael Kelly, Regional Chief Engineer Life Sciences & Tech, John Sisk & Son said:

“Engineering in the World will empower young learners to unlock a world—and universe—of possibility with the turn of every page. We will help them reach beyond the current possibilities to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow. The real-life case studies make for a better understanding of engineering and how that  applies to the real world. The way the activities develop key skills: numeracy, oracy, research, visual and writing, and showcase the discipline in new and exciting ways for secondary school students, while also offering insights into potential career paths and the skills sought out in today’s workplace.”

*Survey of 1000 Transition Year Students conducted by the Hayes Culleton Group in conjunction with STEM South West.

The Authors

Susan Hayes Culleton

Co-author of the bestselling Positive Economics for Leaving Certificate Economics and Money Matters, is managing director of the Hayes Culleton Group, with clients across Europe and the USA. The businesses include Active Peers AI which unlocks, diffuses and records strategic tacit knowledge within networks and #SavvyTeenAcademy which manages the entire experience of teenage work experiences in corporate organisations. The company also provides training, speaking and content development services, in the subject areas of the financial markets, economics and entrepreneurship. Susan has published “Money Matters”, a textbook sponsored by CFA Society Ireland, to go into every secondary school in Ireland to promote and democractise financial literacy right across the country. She has twice co-authored “Positive Economics”, the market-leading Leaving Cert economics textbook in Ireland, and she is the author of two books published by Penguin, The “Savvy Woman’s Guide to Financial Freedom” and “The Savvy Guide to Making More Money”.

Marguerite O Sullivan, Director of Learning with Kenvue – formerly Johnson & Johnson’s consumer health company. Marguerite O’Sullivan is a passionate STEM advocate and dedicated Director of Learning with a profound commitment to promoting excellence in education and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives. Marguerite is Chairperson of STEM South West, an industry-led consortium that aims to  “inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers through STEM education”.