Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, proudly participated in this year’s Engineering Across the Border programme, offering a group of nine Transition Year students a unique opportunity to engage with real-world engineering challenges and industry professionals.
The Engineering Across the Border initiative was organised by Savvy Teens, MEGA, and InterTradeIreland, bringing together schools and industry partners to collaborate on innovative problem-solving projects.
The students were expertly mentored by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Limerick, whose team provided invaluable guidance and insight throughout the project. This collaboration allowed students to explore engineering concepts in a practical and meaningful way, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry application.
The Wicked Problem our students were set was to design a contact lens that solved a medical problem. The mentors supported the 3 groups as they researched and proposed ideas. At the site visit to Vision Care the students had a face to face meeting with their mentors where they decided on which ideas to develop and present at the final showcase. The site visit to the Vision Care facility was a highlight of the experience, students gained first-hand exposure to advanced manufacturing processes and innovative technologies. This visit proved both inspiring and educational, giving students a deeper appreciation of the role engineering plays in modern healthcare solutions.
The programme culminated in a showcase event held on March 24th, 2026, students presented videos of their project journeys alongside peers from other schools. At the showcase, participating companies hosted interactive stands where they outlined the “wicked problems” they had challenged students to solve. These stands also gave students valuable insight into the companies’ work, the services they provide, and the wide range of engineering roles available as potential career pathways. This element of the event was particularly impactful, helping students to connect their project work with real-world applications and future opportunities.
Following the showcase, students also had the opportunity to visit CobiLift, further enriching their experience by seeing another facet of engineering in action. This additional industry engagement reinforced the diversity of career pathways available within STEM fields.
The initiative was facilitated by teachers Maggie Garrihy and Dylan Egan whose support and coordination ensured a highly positive and rewarding experience for all involved.
Overall, participation in Engineering Across the Border has been an outstanding success for our students. It has not only enhanced their understanding of engineering but also sparked curiosity, ambition, and a greater awareness of future career opportunities in STEM.
