Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.

Local minister to officially open Midlands Career Expo

Peter Burke, TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, will officially open the Midlands Career Expo, an event that “aims to inspire and motivate job seekers across the region” on September 14 at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

“The expo is an invaluable opportunity for our region,” said Minister Burke. “It connects job seekers with leading employers, and it highlights the thriving industries that are vital to the economic growth of the midlands.

“By bringing together talent and opportunity, this expo plays a crucial role in empowering our workforce and driving future development in the region.”

His comments reflect the broader mission of the event, which is to foster economic growth and provide meaningful career opportunities to the local community.

This year’s expo will feature a broad spectrum of companies, offering a range of job opportunities in multiple industries, from technology and healthcare, to manufacturing and renewable energy.

Shane O'Reilly, KPMG Sustainable Futures.

One of the highlights of the day will be a keynote address by Shane O’Reilly from KPMG Sustainable Futures, who will discuss emerging career opportunities in a sustainable economy, stressing the critical need to upskill the workforce to meet the challenges of achieving carbon neutrality.

Drawing from his extensive experience with Ireland’s leading companies, he will highlight key projects shaping our future and the specific skills and talents needed to bring those initiatives to fruition.

Mr O’Reilly’s insights into the intersection of business and sustainability are expected to be a major draw for attendees interested in the evolving job market within the green economy.

Paul Mahon, WATT Footprint.

Adding to the line-up of experts, Paul Mahon, CEO and co-founder of WATT Footprint, will serve as master of ceremonies for the sustainability talk.

The second keynote speaker at the event is Richard Mooney, the Global Product Strategy lead for SAP’s Analytics and Planning product line, who talk is titled ‘AI and the Future of Work: Unlocking New Opportunities and Enhancing Job Fulfilment’.

Richard will discuss the transformative impact AI will have, exploring the new tools and innovative approaches that are already being implemented in current projects. He will highlight the opportunities AI will create, including emerging roles and skill sets, and emphasise the importance of upskilling to stay competitive in this evolving landscape.

The Midlands Career Expo is expected to attract some 2,500 attendees, and therefore to offer opportunities for networking, professional growth, and career advancement.

For companies, a limited number of exhibitor spots are still available, providing a unique platform to connect with top talent from across the region. For job seekers, the event offers a wealth of resources, including career experts providing personalised advice on networking, CV enhancement, and interview preparation.

Registration is free and open to all at midlandscareerexpo.ie, making this event accessible to anyone looking to boost their career prospects.

The Midlands Career Expo is dedicated to empowering the local workforce and offering valuable insights into the future of work during these transformative times, said a spokesperson for the organisers.

“As Minister Burke aptly put it, the event is ‘an invaluable opportunity’ to connect with employers, learn from industry experts, and explore numerous job opportunities right here in the midlands.”

More information

Visit midlandscareerexpo.ie to secure your spot or to learn more about exhibitor opportunities.