Building Futures: The Lasting Impact of Engineering Careers

In this episode of the Workplus podcast, host Richard Kirk is joined by Claire, Director of Engineering at Oxford Instruments. Claire shares her inspiring journey from a Northern Irish all-girls school to leading a global engineering team developing scientific imaging technologies. She discusses the power of STEM education, the vital role of creativity in engineering, and her passion for empowering young people, especially women, to pursue impactful careers in science and technology. This episode uncovers the surprising reach of engineering, from telescopes in Hawaii to airport security and cancer research, and why people, not just problems, make work worthwhile.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Everything around us, from smartphones to telescopes, was designed by engineers
• Curiosity and creativity are essential traits for engineers
• Oxford Instruments helps scientists push the boundaries of life and physical sciences
• Seeing products used in real-world research boosts engineering engagement
• Inspiring the next generation of engineers starts with better role models and exposure
• Non-linear career paths can lead to leadership and innovation
• Young people don't need university to have a successful engineering career
• The arts and STEM must coexist for well-rounded innovation
• Mentorship programs like SistersIN help young women envision their potential
• The best part of work is helping others grow and succeed

BEST MOMENTS
00:00:04. “Everything in your pocket or on your person was developed by an engineer.”
00:01:27. “I’m the director of engineering, so I have quite a large engineering team.”
00:03:35. “We’re kind of experts in low light imaging. Cameras that go on microscopes, telescopes.”
00:05:36. “I like the fact that one and one equals two and always does.”
00:07:15. “Innovation and through creativity and curiosity.”
00:09:24. “Seeing people grow… there’s no other feeling like it.”
00:10:31. “Spent two hours talking about the black hole, like who does that in their job?”
00:14:02. “I've been a STEM ambassador for… oh my goodness, I don’t know, for many years.”
00:20:34. “This is a way to really tell these young women, you have got what it takes.”
00:26:13. “Probably the best thing and the worst thing and the same thing, and that’s other people.”

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Continuous Learning in the Age of AI

In this episode of Workplus, Richard Kirk speaks with John Healy about his remarkable career journey from accidental engineer to tech leader. John reflects on the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven work as he shares how he navigated roles at JP Morgan, Citi, Allstate, and Invest NI. With candor and clarity, John reveals what it means to lead with vision, bridge digital divides, and build meaningful careers, especially in a world transformed by AI.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Technology skills become obsolete. Continuous learning is non-negotiable.
• Careers often unfold through unexpected pivots, not straight paths.
• AI is not coming, it’s already changing how we build and deliver software.
• Leadership means communicating vision and inspiring belief in it.
• Collaboration across competitors can strengthen the whole sector.
• Good careers are built on more than qualifications. Skills like teamwork and adaptability matter most.
• Infrastructure, connectivity, and equity are essential to close the digital divide.
• Northern Ireland’s tech sector thrives because of deep relationships across academia, government, and business.
• The Software & AI initiative shows how industry can drive collective impact.
• Purpose is about creating jobs that improve lives, not just writing code.

BEST MOMENTS
00:00:04. “I knew nothing about interest rate and derivatives when I started, but it's a skill to know that you've got to have that ability to continuously learn throughout your career.”
00:01:34. “I absolutely hated engineering. I promised myself on graduation day I wasn’t going to work a single day as an engineer.”
00:04:29. “I had to go to the library to look up half the words in the job ad. I had never even heard of an investment bank.”
00:07:09. “I just absolutely loved it. From that support job, I moved onto the development side.”
00:09:16. “You’ve got to be prepared, willing and able to continually refresh your tech skills.”
00:10:47. “Whenever you're dead and gone, there's not a single person from JP Morgan going to be standing at my graveside.”
00:17:50. “Instead of having 10% of everything, let's have 100% of something.”
00:23:02. “Girls are out-performing boys at school. They’re getting the grades, but still not choosing tech.”
00:26:59. “You have all the best intentions, but you can't maximize the impact because schools just can't interact with you.”
00:44:34. “That's what the motivation is. The difference I can make from whatever seat I'm sitting in.”

🎧 Thanks for listening to Workplus, the podcast that brings real jobs into the light.

🔗 Find more stories, tools, and guides to help young people and returners explore meaningful careers at workplus.app

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Why Apprenticeships Are Transforming Tech Careers

In this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk speaks with twin sisters Olivia and Louisa, software engineering apprentices at Teamworks. From their early passion for tech to building products used by elite sports teams, they share an honest and inspiring story of growth, challenge, and the power of real-world experience. This episode breaks down how apprenticeships are opening new doors into tech, how support and curiosity go hand in hand, and why young people don’t have to choose between learning and working.

A must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about the future of careers in Northern Ireland.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Apprenticeships provide a valid, valuable alternative to university
• Supportive environments help young people build confidence from day one
• Learning on the job reinforces academic studies
• Collaboration and teamwork are key to growth in tech roles
• Real-world projects create tangible impact and satisfaction
• Tech careers are increasingly accessible to women
• Mentorship from peers strengthens understanding
• Flexibility in remote and hybrid work boosts productivity
• Early exposure to problem-solving builds long-term resilience
• AI is viewed as a helpful tool, not a replacement

BEST MOMENTS

00:00:05. “You're not supposed to know everything. You're meant to go in with a mindset that you're excited to learn.”
00:01:43. “We were able to get involved in a competition… and the result was us being taken to Silicon Valley.”
00:03:06. “Our physics teacher in particular recommended Workplus to help us get started.”
00:04:20. “Every day is different. So you go in and there's a new problem to solve.”
00:06:07. “From the beginning, it's been encouraged that you're not supposed to know everything.”
00:10:40. “We are given the time to do that. It's not all… there isn't a pressure on deadlines as such.”
00:12:13. “From day one, you do feel valued and that your opinions are respected.”
00:13:13. “We offer lots of different products to elite sports teams.”
00:19:26. “Our two last two hiring of apprentices have been fully female.”
00:30:31. “Just continue to work hard and do what you're doing and it will work out.”

🎧 Thanks for listening to Workplus, the podcast that brings real jobs into the light.

🔗 Find more stories, tools, and guides to help young people and returners explore meaningful careers at workplus.app

📩 Know someone who would find this helpful? Share it with a parent, teacher, or future changemaker.

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