SPK Connect Launches at St. Patrick’s High School Keady: A Bold Step Toward Future Careers
St. Patrick’s High School Keady marked a transformative moment in its history on Thursday, 9th October, with the official launch of SPK Connect—a dynamic new initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and the world of work.
Held in the school’s studio, the event welcomed a diverse audience of business leaders, alumni, educators, and parents, all united by a shared vision: to elevate ambition and unlock opportunity for every pupil through meaningful connections with industry.
“See it, believe it, be it”
The evening opened with a warm welcome from school leadership, who introduced SPK Connect as more than just a careers programme—it is a movement. Rooted in the motto “See it, believe it, be it,” SPK Connect seeks to inspire pupils by connecting them with real-world professionals across sectors such as engineering, law, technology, logistics, and more.
Marie Doyle, who led the evening’s proceedings, outlined the initiative’s ambition to showcase the success of SPK alumni and community members working on regional, national, and global stages. “SPK Connect is about building bridges,” she said. “It’s about showing our young people what’s possible and helping them develop the skills they need to thrive.”
A Powerful Panel
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring:
- Sarah Kendell, Head of Careers at SPK
- Paul Breen, Managing Director of SFM Engineering and SPK alumnus
- Kathleen O’Hare, Chair of the Northern Ireland Skills Council
- Niall Woods, industry leader and school governor
- Marie Doyle, moderator and school leader
The panel explored themes of mentorship, future skills, and the evolving landscape of work shaped by AI, robotics, and digital transformation. Each speaker shared personal insights and encouraged pupils to embrace ambition regardless of background or ability.
Kathleen O’Hare, a distinguished education leader, emphasized the importance of initiatives like SPK Connect in tackling educational underachievement and preparing students for a rapidly changing world. “Every child deserves access to inspiration and aspiration,” she said.
Three Pillars of Impact
SPK Connect is built on three core pillars:
- Insight and Skills Development – Workshops on interview techniques, CV writing, and future-focused topics like cybercrime and AI.
- Career Connections – Events and ad hoc networking to link pupils with real job opportunities and placements.
- Business Group Network – A growing community of supporters promoting the initiative through social media, sponsorship, and philanthropy.
A Community Effort
The launch event was attended by representatives from leading companies including Linwoods, Kainos, Errigal Contracts, AZIL Racking, Trinity Support and Care Services and many more. Their presence sent a powerful message to pupils: your future matters, and you are surrounded by a network that believes in you.
Mrs. McKenna closed the evening with heartfelt thanks to all attendees, encouraging continued engagement through mentoring, sponsorship, and storytelling. “Let’s continue building the future together,” she said.
As guests mingled over coffee and conversation, the spirit of SPK Connect was palpable—hopeful, ambitious, and deeply rooted in community.
