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 about how a ZX Spectrum in the 1980s sparked his love for technology, why mentorship transformed his career, and how purpose-driven work continues to motivate him. From software engineering to leadership, Tara reflects on building a business from scratch, navigating the rapid rise of AI, and shaping the future talent pipeline in Northern Ireland’s tech sector.

Whether you are a young person, parent, teacher, or employer, this conversation offers unique insights into how early interests can lead to fulfilling careers, why curiosity and purpose matter more than qualifications, and how to thrive in a fast-changing world of work.

⏱ In This Episode:
• How a 14-year-old’s curiosity led to a lifelong career in software
• Building a business from zero customers to a thriving company
• Why Northern Ireland needs to invest in young tech talent
• The real impact of AI on junior and senior tech roles
• Why purpose is the key ingredient for meaningful work
• The crucial role of mentors and good leadership in tech careers
• Tara’s advice for young people navigating career choices today
• How Software NI is helping grow the tech sector for everyone

This is an episode for anyone who wants to understand how careers are built, why purpose matters, and how Northern Ireland’s software sector is evolving.

🎧 Thanks for listening to Workplus, the podcast that brings real jobs into the light.

🔗 Find more stories, tools, and guides to help young people and returners explore meaningful careers at workplus.app

📩 Know someone who would find this helpful? Share it with a parent, teacher, or future changemaker.

🎙 New episodes every Thursday at 8am. Follow so you never miss a story.

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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, and a supportive workplace helped her build a thriving career without university debt. From coding and product design to social impact and leadership, she shows how apprenticeships offer so much more than just a job.

Whether you are a young person, parent, teacher, or employer, this conversation will challenge your thinking about traditional career routes and highlight why apprenticeships could be the best decision you make.

⏱ In This Episode:
• Why real work experience can transform career choices
• How apprenticeships help you earn, learn, and grow at the same time
• Busting the myth: software is not just coding in dark rooms
• Supporting young people to explore tech through STEAM Studio
• How employers can benefit from eager-to-learn apprentices
• Breaking barriers for women in tech and creating inclusive workplaces
• The power of mentorship, flexibility, and workplace wellbeing
• Gina’s advice for young people who are curious about tech careers

🎧 Thanks for listening to Workplus, the podcast that brings real jobs into the light.

🔗 Find more stories, tools, and guides to help young people and returners explore meaningful careers at workplus.app

📩 Know someone who would find this helpful? Share it with a parent, teacher, or future changemaker.

🎙 New episodes every Thursday at 8am. Follow so you never miss a story.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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 exams, to breaking the stigma around vocational careers, to ensuring every young person leaves school digitally confident, Kathleen explains what needs to change and how it can happen. She shares examples from her own leadership, including how schools can build stronger employer links, the impact of real-world work experience, and why leadership must be at the heart of education reform.

This is an episode for anyone who believes in creating real opportunities for the next generation.

⏱ In This Episode:
• Why schools must adapt to a changing world
• The importance of creating clear pathways into vocational careers
• Digital skills as a core part of every child’s education
• How collaboration between schools, employers, and communities changes lives
• The role of leadership in building a future-ready education system
• Insights from the Skills Council on where change is already happening

🎧 Thanks for listening to Workplus, the podcast that brings real jobs into the light.

🔗 Find more stories, tools, and guides to help young people and returners explore meaningful careers at workplus.app

📩 Know someone who would find this helpful? Share it with a parent, teacher, or future changemaker.

🎙 New episodes every Thursday at 8am. Follow so you never miss a story.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com