SETU in collaboration with the Engineering the South East Cluster (ESE) and its automation sub-group, is proud to announce the launch of an innovative multi-company automation scholarship designed to retain top engineering talent within the region.
Strategic impact
A recent Higher Education Authority (HEA) report revealed that 62% of engineering students from the southeast region leave to study elsewhere, with a significant impact on the local workforce. In response to this, SETU’s Autom8 scholarship initiative aims to attract and support students pursuing automation and robotics engineering careers, while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled professionals in industry.
“The Autom8 scholarship is set to enhance local career opportunities, reduce brain drain, and strengthen industry-academic collaboration. It aligns with SETU’s mission to support regional economic growth by fostering a pipeline of skilled graduates who can drive technological innovation in the southeast.”
Stephen Rooney, Cluster Manager, Engineering the South East, SETU.
Direct links to industry
The Autom8 scholarship brings together a group of leading manufacturing and automation companies to offer students financial support, industry experience, and professional mentorship throughout their undergraduate studies at SETU. Companies partnering with SETU on this initiative include, MSD Ireland, Integer, Teva, Sanofi, and Bausch + Lomb.
“SETU and Engineering the South East encourage interested second-level students to apply and seize this opportunity to advance their careers in automation engineering within a thriving local industry.”
Edmond Connolly, Manager, South East Regional Skills Forum.
SETU's Dominick O'Brien has been lecturing in the Engineering Technology department since 2016 and was instrumental in the development of the scholarship. His industry relationships were a key factor in terms of ensuring the B.Eng. in Automation Engineering meets the current industry needs.
"Modern automation engineering and related skillsets are highly sought after across pharmaceutical, medical device, materials, food, and machine-building industries. The discipline offers highly rewarding career development and a diverse range of activity including control, vision, software programming, interfacing, instrumentation, robotics, networking, databases, data intelligence, and electronics."
Dominick O'Brien, SETU lecturer and Programme Director.
Dr Dorel Picovici is the Programme Director for Robotics and Automation Systems at SETU's campus in Carlow. With over 35 years of experience in electronics, automation, and robotics. Dorel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this multidisciplinary programme. It encompasses streams such as electronic, mechanical, and computer science. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the programme aligns its modules with the skills sought by the industry, addressing the shortage of qualified graduates and personnel in this specialised field. The practical element and exposure to industry-standard robots is a very important component of this programme.
"The Automa8 Scholarship is a testament to the excellence of our Robotics and Automation Systems degree at SETU. This scholarship opens doors for our students, enabling them to engage in fruitful collaborations with industry leaders. I am very happy to witness the professional development of our successful applicants from their first year through employment as they embark on a journey of growth and innovation in this dynamic field."
Dr Dorel Picovici, SETU lecturer and Programme Director.
The scholarship is open to students enrolling on SETU’s Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Automation Engineering (Waterford campus) and the B.Eng. in Robotics and Automated Systems (Carlow campus). Each participating company will provide a €2,000 annual contribution towards a student’s educational expenses, along with access to paid summer work, a third-year industrial placement, and a dedicated industry mentor.
Partner Companies
"Bausch+Lomb is a global leader in eye health committed to innovation in vision care, surgical solutions, and pharmaceuticals. Our Waterford facility plays a key role in advanced manufacturing and automation, ensuring high-quality medical devices are produced locally. By supporting the Autom8 Scholarship, we aim to nurture homegrown talent and provide opportunities for the next generation of automation engineers to build their careers here in the South East."
- Niall Barry, Director, Waterford Contact Lens Engineering, Bausch+Lomb.
“At Integer New Ross, we make 40 million guidewires every year. Each one helps a patient receive life-changing treatment. How cool is that? Imagine working in a place where what you do really matters. Want a career that’s rewarding and exciting? We need Automation Engineers to help us bring new technology, like robots, lasers, and machines to help build guidewires. We're excited to support the Autom8 Scholarship and we’re looking to offer you the opportunity to allow your innovation and creativity make a real impact here. Ready to start an amazing journey with us? Let's make a difference together!”
- Declan Cottrell, Manager, Engineering-Manufacturing.
"MSD is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering life-changing medicines and vaccines. With a strong presence in Ireland, we rely on advanced automation to drive innovation in manufacturing. Through the Autom8 Scholarship, we are investing in the future workforce, encouraging talented students to develop their skills locally and contribute to the long-term success of automation in the south east."
- Carol Phelan, Digital Manufacturing Operations Director, MSD Carlow.
"Sanofi is dedicated to transforming healthcare through breakthrough innovations in medicine and life sciences. Our Waterford site is a centre of excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where automation is key to driving efficiency and quality. By supporting the Autom8 Scholarship, we want to inspire local students to pursue careers in automation, ensuring that world-class expertise continues to thrive in the region. "
- Sinead Power, People Excellence Partner, Talent Acquisition Lead, Sanofi UK IE
"Teva Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in generic and specialty medicines, with a strong manufacturing presence in Ireland. At our Waterford site, enabling efficient high-volume production of life-saving inhalers through automation is at the heart of what we do. We are proud to support the Autom8 Scholarship, helping to develop local talent and ensure the south east remains a hub for cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing."
- Paul Clancy, Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland
