Dreambig – Talent Attraction Program

By project AccelerateGDT

Published on 08 July 2024

Ireland

Eastern and Midland

About this good practice

Problem Addressed
Irish manufacturing SMEs companies share challenges around talent shortages which impact their ability to grow and scale. Ireland’s full employment means potential employees have numerous options, so manufacturing firms must work to make their sector appealing.

Dreambig led by the ATIM cluster, responds to the skills challenge of the manufacturing sector, to inspire, engage, and support young people (aged 15-17) pursue advanced manufacturing as a career. The programme creates awareness, provides practical experiences, and creates pathways to learn about the practices of manufacturing SMEs in their region.

How Objectives are reached
Dreambig industry programme provides students an opportunity to engage in two experiences:

Dreambig – Immersion
Allows 80 students immersive placements in 16 partner manufacturing SMEs annually. To gain an understanding of industry processes, technologies, and work culture. The visits are complemented by key technology workshops delivered by Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

Dreambig 4 Innovation
An engaging student-empowered, teacher-led, industrial manufacturing micro-modules for second level students, which align with existing curriculums and focus on: Digitisation, Robotic Systems, Engineering Practices and Advanced Manufacturing.

Stakeholders: Atim Cluster, TUS, Irish Manufacturing Research, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Longford County Councils, Mullingar Chamber, Longford Westmeath ETB, parents and teachers.

Resources needed

Cost of Dreambig
Immersive week – bus hire, catering, staging & AV for final equipment, rental, t-shirts and treats, 80 students per year - €11,500
Micro Module development – site visit, process capture, editing, content creation, €16,500 per module
1 X kit/trolley per school €4,500 X 16 schools

Evidence of success

Atim’s 2023 student-survey 27 students (15 females, 12 male) found agreement that Dreambig:

• improved their problem-solving skills (92%)
• inspired them to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing (100%)
• outlined the variety of career opportunities in manufacturing (72%)
• helped secure summer work with placement firms (30%)

2024 Immersion expansion to 16 industry partners & 80 students. All partners and County Councils committed to financing 2024-26 for Dreambig to engage 5000+ students

Potential for learning or transfer

Dreambig brings together key stakeholders, educational institutions, industry partners, and local government, to drive change in talent attraction. By fostering close collaboration, the program ensures curriculum aligns with industry needs, making it a powerful tool for regional development.

Modules designed by Dreambig offers an authentic STEM learning experience via the use of technology/engineering methods. Modules incorporate industry partners testimonial videos detailing employees varied STEM career pathways, providing real examples to inspire students whilst increasing SMEs visibility as potential employers. Dreambig formally recognise teachers' role with formal CPD certification. Schools are provided with a toolkit of hardware to support module delivery.

The success of Dreambig illustrates its potential for transferability to other regions. Through adaption to local contexts, other regions can replicate this model to enhance their own talent attraction and retention efforts.