Datapac launches Wexford’s first STEM Passport for Inclusion hub, encouraging 120 transition-year students from Coláiste Bríde, Enniscorthy, to consider futures within the technology sector.
Enniscorthy – 24 October 2025 – Datapac, trusted IT partner for leading Irish organisations, today announces the launch of Wexford’s first dedicated STEM Passport for Inclusion Hub at its Wexford headquarters.
As part of the programme, Datapac is providing STEM Passport for Inclusion with 30 state-of-the-art laptops for use at its own hub and future hubs across Ireland, with support from partners HP and Intel. It is also committing multi-day volunteering from team members across the business. With a long history of investment in third level talent development through its established graduate and work placement programmes, Datapac is now increasing its focus on second level initiatives to complement its continued work in the STEM talent development arena.
Underscoring this commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent, the company also announces that, to date, it has invested over €2.2 million in its Graduate Placement Programme. Since its establishment over 20 years ago, more than 200 graduates have participated in the programme, which offers on-the-job development opportunities as well as invaluable hands-on experience with the latest technologies. Through the initiative, Datapac has established strong links with third-level institutions around Ireland, including SETU and MTU.
Datapac’s involvement with STEM Passport for Inclusion is already having an immediate and meaningful impact in the South East. Thanks to Datapac’s support, 120 girls from the local Coláiste Bríde are empowered to gain formal STEM qualifications and hands-on experience, as well as exposure to valuable career opportunities.
Participation in this programme is part of Datapac’s wider Pathways Inclusion Initiative, which aims to create sustainable, inclusive career pathways in tech through early-career outreach, diverse hiring practices, and a key focus on employee wellbeing and retention.
Karen O’Connor, General Manager, Datapac: “The launch of the STEM Passport Hub is the latest chapter in Datapac’s ongoing commitment to education, equity, and opportunity in Wexford. We strive to provide high-quality employment and ongoing skills development in a region that has historically seen fewer employment opportunities, but has immense potential and talent. The launch of the new hub builds on our strong track record of promoting gender equity in tech and encouraging young girls to consider careers in the tech industry.
We are proud to lead this transformative programme in the South-East and believe that our hub can serve as a model within the Irish technology sector for meaningful collaboration between education, industry, and community.”
Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, Maynooth University said: “The impact of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme relies on the strength of partnerships with industry leaders like Datapac. By creating dedicated STEM hubs and offering meaningful mentorship, companies are helping to break down the barriers that have historically excluded young women from pursuing careers in STEM.
“It’s not just about access to education – it’s about giving students the opportunity to step into a technology environment, meet professionals who have walked the path before them, and see a future for themselves in the industry. These partnerships are vital to ensuring that STEM truly becomes a space where everyone can belong and thrive.”