Outreach to Employment Programme: Junior Careers Fair and Visit to Takumi Engineering

Takumi Engineering – 5th and 6th class pupils from St Mary’s National School in Kings Island who paid a visit to Raheen Business Park as part of the Outreach to Employment Programme. Picture: Don Moloney

Takumi Engineering are a leading global engineering provider in Raheen Business Park

Pupils from St. Mary’s National School, Kings Island visited Takumi Precision Engineering, a leading global engineering provider in Raheen Business Park, to learn about the company’s operations, history, and geography. This visit is part of the Outreach to Employment Programme, led by Limerick City and County Council’s Regeneration Directorate, in partnership with Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, Department of Social Protection, TUS, Paul Partnership, as well as industry and community representatives.

The Programme focuses on the four Regeneration Communities of Limerick City, aiming to improve opportunities for access to employment, education, and training pathways. As part of the programme, a Junior Careers Fair was held at St. Mary’s National School, where children and parents met with local industry employers and committed to site visits to their chosen employers. Fifth and sixth class pupils, along with their parents, participated in the visit to Takumi for this unique experience.

Founded in 1998, Takumi Precision Engineering is a leading global engineering solutions provider based in Raheen Business Park. Takumi employs local staff and specialises in bespoke medical, aerospace, and industrial component assembly and manufacturing. The enthusiastic pupils learned that Takumi was named by its founder, Gerry Reynolds, who grew up in Limerick and spent time in Japan after graduating as an engineer.

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This visit provided a great opportunity for children and their parents to engage with a local company at an early stage, experiencing a real work environment and highlighting future opportunities available for both parents and their children.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, praised the work of the Outreach to Employment programme, saying, “This initiative is a fantastic example of how we can connect our young people with local industry, providing them with valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers. It’s wonderful to see the community come together to support the next generation.”

Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon commented, “This initiative is particularly impactful for residents in often overlooked areas, providing them with invaluable first-hand experiences of life in the workplace. By witnessing the opportunities and possibilities available, individuals are inspired to achieve their full potential. With the right support and guidance, everyone can succeed.”

Speaking during the visit to Takumi, Eoghan O’Byrne, Principal of St. Mary’s National School, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “St. Mary’s National School is delighted to have been facilitated for this wonderful parent and child trip to Takumi Precision Engineering, a fantastic opportunity made possible through the support of Limerick City and County Council. Experiences like this truly inspire and connect learning with the real world for our pupils.”

Stacey Keane, of Takumi, welcomed the pupils and their parents and said, “We were delighted to welcome the pupils and parents from St. Mary’s National School to Takumi Precision Engineering. It’s an honour to share our passion for innovation and sustainability with the next generation. We hope this visit inspires them to explore careers in engineering and technology, and to see the exciting opportunities available right here in Limerick.”