The Code Lab has been named Cathaoirleach’s Business of the Month for January by the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly. The recognition forms part of the Cathaoirleach’s Business of the Month initiative, supported by the Louth Local Enterprise Office.
The initiative aims to highlight outstanding local businesses that make a positive contribution to the economic and social life of County Louth.
The Code Lab is a Louth based STEM education company that teaches children and teenagers how to create with technology through coding courses, electronics and robotics workshops, holiday camps and an innovative online learning platform for schools. The company was founded by Joan McCann, an experienced IT professional and STEM educator, who set out to make coding accessible, engaging and enjoyable for children of all ages and backgrounds, while also being easy for parents and teachers to use.
The idea for The Code Lab grew from Joan’s own children’s interest in coding and her observation that there were limited local opportunities available for young people. She began by running small workshops, which later developed into a full education business. Since then, she has worked closely with primary schools and community organisations to deliver programmes that build digital literacy, problem solving skills, creativity and confidence among young learners.
Based in Castlebellingham, The Code Lab now supports thousands of students through its expanding range of school and youth focused STEM programmes. New initiatives aimed at post primary students are also being introduced as the company continues to grow.
Announcing the award, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seán Kelly said The Code Lab is an innovative local enterprise that is equipping the next generation with essential skills for the future. He said Joan McCann identified a gap in the market and used her experience, passion and creativity to build a forward thinking business that is helping young people develop digital confidence at a time when coding and technology skills are increasingly important.
Accepting the award, Joan McCann said she was honoured to receive the recognition. She acknowledged the ongoing support she has received from the Local Enterprise Office, along with local partners, collaborators and schools. She also paid tribute to Castletown Girls School, which partnered with The Code Lab on the Online Schools Coding Programme and helped shape it from the early stages, supporting students as they took their first steps into coding and STEM education.
She said the award reinforces her mission to make STEM education accessible, engaging and fun, and she looks forward to continuing to create opportunities for young people across Louth and beyond to explore technology with confidence.
Further information is available at TheCodeLab.ie and on The Code Lab’s social media channels.
