From the First International BTE Site to a Long-Standing Partner: Bringing Continued Career Success to Cork, Ireland

In 2005, Cork, Ireland, launched the first-ever BTE program outside of the United States. For twenty years, BTE Cork has been supporting students from underserved areas to build better futures by exposing them to university life, connecting with Johnson & Johnson volunteers, and pursuing internships in STEM²D fields.

Throughout the past two decades, BTE Cork has served over 1,100 students from Mayfield Community School, North Monastery Secondary School (North Mon), and Terence MacSwiney. The schools belong to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools)—an initiative from the Irish Department of Education that lessens educational disadvantages and brings about social inclusion to schools in disadvantaged areas.

With a dedicated team of committee members with Cliona O’Geran as the committee chair, volunteers, and educators, the impact that BTE Cork has had in its students’ lives has been palpable throughout the . “The Johnson & Johnson Bridge to Employment program played a critical role in my progression from education to employment, and I would strongly encourage and recommend anyone with the opportunity to take part in the program to do so,” says Paul Hegarty, a BTE Cork Alum.

BTE Cork’s success is built on a strong program framework that brings together key partners dedicated to students’ growth. The program is supported across three J&J sites in Cork: J&J Innovative Medicine, Ringaskiddy; J&J Innovative Medicine, Little Island; and J&J Medtech, Ringaskiddy. Additionally, BTE Cork collaborates with nonprofit partners such as Business in the Community and Junior Achievement, as well as the Access Departments of Munster Technology University (MTU), University College Cork (UCC), and Cork Education & Training Board (CETB), ensuring students have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

And its vision has only continued to grow! Since 2024, BTE Cork has refined its focus on ensuring that all students, parents, and educators are aware of the wonderful opportunities that the program offers and taking the time to introduce the program to students, parents, and teachers, ensuring mutual support throughout the duration of the program. During this cohort’s second year, BTE Cork will launch a mentoring program packed with university campus visits, manufacturing site tours, and visits to Johnson & Johnson facilities. Additionally, the program will prioritize academic support for its students, providing them with study skills and study aids to ensure their success in STEM²D areas. Finally, during this cohort’s third year, BTE Cork will focus on providing its students with continued mentoring support, organize motivational workshops, and continue to prioritize on-going academic support. Finally, the program will culminate with a beautiful graduation ceremony for BTE students, where scholarships and financial aid will be awarded. On the long-lasting impact that BTE Cork has had on its students, Cliona recalls, “BTE exposes kids to various career paths they never thought would be available to them. We are lucky as an organization that we can promote STEM ²D and diverse careers.”

BTE is beyond proud to be a continued partner to the students of Cork, and we are excited to share its incredible achievements in the future!