SETU has awarded the inaugural Autom8 scholarship to five undergraduate students of automation, robotics, and automated systems engineering.
The prestigious scholarship is provided in partnership with Engineering the South East and leading multinational companies based in the southeast region, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Bausch + Lomb, MSD Ireland, Sanofi, and Integer Holdings.
The Autom8 Scholarship was designed to get more second level students entering Engineering courses, keep our students studying and working in the region, and to promote diversity in engineering.
"This initiative is driven by industry. It is designed to target second level students from the southeast who were yet to make final decisions on where they would go to university. A key aspect to its success was the combined marketing power of all the companies offering the same scholarship which really helped the initiative to gain traction within the schools."
Stephen Rooney Cluster Manager, Engineering the South East.
What’s involved in Autom8
Automation was the critical skillset specifically identified from the companies. Hence the award was open to the BEng (Hons) in Automaton Engineering and BEng (Hons) in Robotics and Automated Systems. Each student will be supported by their sponsor company throughout their 4 year undergraduate studies. They will avail of a six-month internship in their third year, as well as additional work experience opportunities. Students will also have access to a company-based mentor and will receive up to €2,000 contribution towards their university fees each year.
Impact underway
Since the announcement, scholarship recipients have each completed an introductory site visit with their sponsor company, experiencing advanced automated manufacturing environments. For some of the students this was their first time ever being in a factory and the visits provided valuable insight into real-world engineering applications and the range of career paths available.
Innovation in eye care at Bausch + Lomb.
Gracjan Rogozinski, a first-year student in Automation Engineering, was selected as the Autom8 scholarship recipient for Bausch + Lomb. Gracjan visited their manufacturing facility, meeting the engineering team and beginning a promising partnership.
Leading respiratory manufacturing processes at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
During the visit to Teva Pharmaceuticals in Waterford, first-year Automation Engineering student, Callum White, met senior members of the engineering and automation teams. This highlighted Teva’s highly automated respiratory product manufacturing processes and the growing demand for skilled engineers in the region.
Medical device production at Integer Holdings
First-year Robotics and Automated Systems student, James McEvoy, was awarded the scholarship with Integer Holdings in New Ross, Co. Wexford. James toured the newly expanded plant and attended a presentation on guidewire manufacturing, gaining first-hand experience of advanced medical device production.
“Integer is delighted to support and participate in the new pilot Autom8 Scholarship programme, and to partner with SETU in this exciting initiative. This scholarship will empower our selected student to study, develop, and grow his knowledge and skills alongside Integer, helping to build a much‑needed talent pipeline in the Automation and Robotics Engineering field.”
Carrie Rockett Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Integer.
Global pharmaceutical development at MSD Ireland.
During the scholarship placement, first-year Automation Engineering student, Zoe Prout, visited MSD Ireland’s advanced production lines for vaccines, biologics, and pharmaceuticals. The company outlined Zoe’s role in automation operations during the four-year scholarship.
Virtual reality and advanced manufacturing at Sanofi.
The final recipient, Ava Kirwan, a first-year Robotics and Automated Systems student, visited Sanofi, exploring the company’s VR training suite and learning about the site’s advanced manufacturing practices.
"We were delighted to welcome Ava Kirwan on site last week as part of her visit through the Automation Scholarship programme. Ava is the very first recipient of this scholarship, and it’s fantastic to have her onboard as she begins this exciting journey."
Eoin Galvin Head of Automation and Manufacturing Systems, Sanofi Waterford IE.
For more information on the Autom8 scholarship, click here.
