South East Technological University (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.
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.
Speaking at the launch of the scholarship, Stephen Rooney, Cluster Manager, Engineering the South East, SETU, said, “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.”
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.
Edmond Connolly, Manager, South East Regional Skills Forum, said “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.”
The scholarship is open to students enrolling on SETU’s Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Automation Engineering (Waterford campus) and the Bachelor of 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.
