Workplus | Real People, Meaningful Careers
Workplus uncovers the powerful stories hidden inside ordinary-sounding jobs. Each episode introduces you to the people doing good work and the ripple effects they create for colleagues, customers, and communities.
Whether you’re leading a team, exploring apprenticeships, considering a career change, returning to work, teaching 21st-century skills, or shaping policy around the future of work, Workplus offers an authentic glimpse of how real careers are built, how the skills gap is being addressed and how you can be part of it.
New episodes every Thursday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Episodes
17 episodes
How Monkstown Boxing Club Is Shaping Careers | Workplus Ep. 16
What if a boxing club could help change a young person’s life forever?In this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk sits down with Nathan Lowry, Life Skills Coach at Monkstown Boxing Club. Nathan shares how the club has evolved ...
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Episode 16
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39:51
Why Software Offers Endless Career Opportunities | Workplus Ep. 15
What if your career path wasn’t a straight line, but a series of pivots that built something even better? In this episode of Workplus, we sit down with Amy Martin, Business Development Manager at Scaffold Digital, to explore her journe...
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Episode 15
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25:29
Your Future Career Right Here In Northern Ireland | Workplus Ep. 14
Discover Career Paths Without Leaving Northern IrelandIn this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk speaks with Steven Norris, Deputy Director at Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council. Steven shares how his council is bridging the ...
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Episode 14
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34:27
How To Restart Your Tech Career Using Apprenticeships | Workplus Ep. 13
In this episode of Workplus, Richard Kirk speaks with Esther, a software engineering manager whose journey from Nigeria to Northern Ireland tells a story of grit, growth, and guidance. From working in customer service to leading engine...
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Episode 13
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33:46
Green Economy Explained: Jobs, Skills, Impact | Workplus Ep. 12
Green Economy Explained: Jobs, Skills, ImpactIn this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk sits down with Gordon Parkes, Executive Director of People & Culture at NIE Networks, to unpack the rise of green skills, eme...
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Episode 12
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22:06
What Employers MUST Do to Keep Gen Z Engaged | Workplus Ep. 11
Leadership Gap, AI Skills and Purpose at Work with Susan HaymanIn this episode of Workplus, we sit down with Susan Hayman, Engagement and Employer Solutions Manager at CIPD in Northern Ireland. With deep roots in fashion ...
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54:42
The Hidden Careers in Software (It’s Not Just Coding) | Workplus Ep. 10
Building a Software-First Future for AllIn this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk sits down with Neil Hutcheson, CEO of Software NI, to explore how education, industry, and government can work together to embed softw...
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Episode 10
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56:18
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How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Tech Careers | Workplus Ep. 9
How Ordinary People Build Extraordinary Tech CareersIn this inspiring episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk speaks with Mia, a software tester and apprentice with Teamwork. From full-time mum to tech professional, Mia shares he...
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Episode 9
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23:45
The Transformational Impact of Employment | Workplus Ep. 8
The Transformational Impact of EmploymentIn this episode of Workplus, Richard Kirk speaks with Michael, a senior leader at Belfast City Council, about his journey from the Glens of Antrim to global consultancy, and now to reshapin...
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Episode 8
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35:16
Building Futures: The Lasting Impact Of Engineering Careers | Workplus Ep. 7
Building Futures: The Lasting Impact of Engineering CareersIn this episode of the Workplus podcast, host Richard Kirk is joined by Claire, Director of Engineering at Oxford Instruments. Claire shares her inspiring journey from a N...
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Episode 7
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27:48
Continuous Learning in the Age of AI | Workplus Ep. 6
Continuous Learning in the Age of AIIn this episode of Workplus, Richard Kirk speaks with John Healy about his remarkable career journey from accidental engineer to tech leader. John reflects on the importance of adaptability, lif...
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Episode 6
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45:27
Why Apprenticeships Are Transforming Tech Careers | Workplus Ep. 5
Why Apprenticeships Are Transforming Tech Careers In this episode of Workplus, host Richard Kirk speaks with twin sisters Olivia and Louisa, software engineering apprentices at Teamworks. From their early passion for tech to ...
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Episode 5
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33:10
What Real Careers Really Look Like: Áine’s Path Into Tech | Workplus Ep. 4
In this episode of Workplus, Richard is joined by Áine McCaughey, Principal Software Engineer at Instil. Áine didn’t grow up dreaming of a job in tech. In fact, she nearly became a biochemist or a secondary school teacher. But a bold nudge from...
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Episode 4
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36:12
From Engineer to Employer: Building a Business in Tech | Workplus Ep. 3
In this episode of the Workplus podcast, Tara Simpson, CEO of Instil and founding member of Software NI, shares her incredible journey from self-taught teenager to leading one of Northern Ireland’s top software companies.Tara opens up a...
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Episode 3
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42:39
From School to Software Engineer: Why Apprenticeships Work | Workplus Ep. 2
In this episode of the Workplus podcast, Gina Lonergan shares her inspiring journey from school student to associate software engineer at Liberty IT through an apprenticeship.Gina reveals how early work experience, practical learning, a...
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Episode 2
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28:29
What Employers Really Want From Schools | Workplus Ep. 1
In the very first episode of the Workplus podcast, Kathleen O’Hare shares her powerful perspective on how education in Northern Ireland must change to prepare young people for the future of work.From the need to move beyond outdated exam...
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Episode 1
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48:21
