Photo by Ken Finegan/Newspics Photography
Students from across Louth and Meath showcased their inventions and engineering skills at the 2026 LMETB AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project Awards held in DIFE, Drogheda.
LMETB’s yearlong FET Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Project is celebrating five years in 2026 and is the only initiative of its kind operating in schools through a unique partnership between Further Education and Training and industry.
The programme themes, which guided project design, covered mental health and disabilities, environment and sustainability, technology, health, and sport.
During the academic year, students attended interactive workshops at LMETB’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence in Dundalk. The workshops focused on design thinking and 3D concept design and printing, virtual reality welding and robotics.
The judging panel included representatives from LMETB, PCI Pharma Services, Meta, UCD, and Solas.
Among those recognised at the awards were Coláiste na hInse students Josh Wade, Ryley Walsh, Nathan Kennedy and Josh O’Reilly, who received the Best Understanding of 3D Printing Award for their invention, the “Locker Shelf”.
Students from Scoil Uí Mhuirí in Dunleer, Adam Malone, Darragh Hand and Liam Murphy, were finalists with their project the “Bogey Collector”.
Also reaching the final were Sadbh McDonnell and Eva O’Donnell from St Oliver’s Community College in Drogheda with their invention, the “Crutch Clutch”.
A total of 17 finalist teams from Transition Year classes across participating schools in Louth and Meath took part in the showcase on Thursday, 14 May at DIFE.
Participating schools from County Louth included Scoil Uí Mhuirí, Bush Post Primary School, St Oliver’s Community College and Ó Fiaich College.
Schools from County Meath included Coláiste na hInse, Coláiste Clavin, Beaufort College, Enfield Community College, Dunshaughlin Community College, St Oliver Post Primary, O’Carolan College and Coláiste Ríoga.
Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of FET at LMETB said: “This project continues to demonstrate what can happen when education, industry, and innovation come together with a shared purpose. Over the course of the year, these students developed not only technical skills in areas such as design thinking, 3D printing, and advanced manufacturing technologies, but also the confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills that will support them throughout their future careers.
The quality of ideas and presentations showcased today was exceptional and reflects the commitment of the students, teachers, and industry partners involved. We are incredibly proud to celebrate five years of a programme that is unique in Ireland, and that continues to inspire young people to explore opportunities in STEM and Further Education and Training,” she continued.
Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools at LMETB. said “The LMETB AMTCE FET Advanced Manufacturing pathways Schools Project has become a powerful example of collaborative learning in action. Through the strong partnership between our schools, industry experts, and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, students are being given meaningful opportunities to engage with real-world challenges in a creative and practical way.
The enthusiasm, innovation and professionalism demonstrated by the students throughout the programme and at today’s awards ceremony has been outstanding. LMETB is very grateful for the continued support of SOLAS and DFHERIS in helping to deliver this innovative initiative, which is making a lasting impact across schools in Louth and Meath.”
