The Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) Cluster continues its DreamBig programme, reaffirming the Midlands as a nationally recognised hub for STEM education.
ATIM Cluster, the Midlands-based advanced manufacturing cluster, has held their DreamBig schools education initiative for 2026 in partnership with local authorities and companies across Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The transformative STEM education initiative is a week-long programme designed to inspire the next generation of innovators right here in the Midlands.
Now in its latest iteration, DreamBig 2026 saw 85 students from schools across the region visit 18 companies in the advanced manufacturing sector. The programme is one of a series STEM programmes highlighting the Midlands as a dynamic, future-ready region that is investing in its young people and in future skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
A Region Rising: The Midlands as a STEM Powerhouse
The Midlands is home to a thriving cluster of multinational and indigenous companies operating across advanced manufacturing, medtech, pharma, engineering, and digital technologies. Employers including global industry leaders have established significant operations in the region, creating high-skilled employment and demand for a pipeline of talented graduates and apprentices.
ATIM Cluster has been at the centre of building that pipeline. Through sustained industry-education collaboration, the Midlands has cultivated a reputation as a region that takes STEM seriously — not just as a curriculum subject, but as a way of thinking, making, and solving problems.
What is DreamBig?
DreamBig 2026 is ATIM’s flagship programme connecting second-level students across the Midlands with real-world STEM challenges, industry mentors, and hands-on experiences. Designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, DreamBig empowers young people to see themselves as engineers, scientists, designers, and problem-solvers.
The 2026 programme engaged students from schools across Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath, offering a blend of workshops, industry site visits, and project challenges — all delivered in partnership with ATIM’s member companies including Avery Dennison, Thrace Group, Mergon, Writech, CJ Sheeran, Aubren, Technimark, IPC, TEG Ireland, Kirby Group, Grant Engineering, Abbott, Decotek, Midland Steel, N&E Precision Engineering, Condron Concrete Works, Patterson Pump Ireland and AIR Mullingar, as well as partners including Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils and Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, Irish Manufacturing Research, the Technological University of the Shannon and ReShape.
Why the Midlands is Leading the Way
In terms of STEM education and industry collaboration, the Midlands is rapidly becoming one of the most progressive regions in the country. Key strengths include:
- Strong Industry Presence: A high concentration of advanced technology employers providing meaningful STEM career pathways for Midlands graduates.
- Education Partnerships: Close links between industry and schools, ETBs, and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), ensuring education is aligned with industry needs.
- Dedicated STEM Engagement Officers: The Midlands is the first region in Ireland to have dedicated STEM Engagement Officers working in each county, provided a vital link and resource in embedded STEM programmes in the region
- Broad range of programmes: DreamBig is one of over 25 STEM programmes operating in the Midlands region, with other flagship programmes including VEX Robotics, STEM Passport for Inclusion, Ericsson INFUSE and Microsoft Dreamspace. Together these programmes are reaching thousands of students, in hundreds of schools, across the region each year.
For more information on DreamBig, contact the ATIM Cluster
