In this episode, you will hear how one academic with her ear to the ground around the growth of Ireland's brewing and distilling industry, was afforded the opportunity to conduct research through the HEA-funded Convene project to explore how academia could support this booming sector.

While we may often have an informed hunch or intuition that there might be a need for a new education programme or offering, Dr Ciara Walsh talks through the rigorous research process she followed, together with industry-informed knowledge and data, to move a ‘hunch’ to a well-informed, data-driven decision to launch a Postgraduate Certificate in Brewing and Distilling.

Dr Walsh is joined by a graduate of the new programme, Stuart McNamara to share his entrepreneurial story. And Stuart is indeed an entertaining storyteller! He describes himself as a Soldier, Sailor and Whiskey Maker, and his story demonstrates how he has brought these skills forward into his new project- Portmagee Whskey distillery and Tourist Exhibition Centre, off the coast of the Skelligs in County Kerry.

Joining us to discuss this topic today:

Dr Ciara Walsh, Senior Talent Development Partner, TU Dublin Enterprise Academy

Stuart McNamara, Director, Portmagee Whiskey

Podcast producer & host: Dr Dee Duffy, Senior Talent Development Partner, TU Dublin:

Want to build your future talent pipeline? Contact Technological University Dublin’s Enterprise Academy today:

Email: enterpriseacademy@tudublin.ie

Website: www.tudublin.ie/enterprise-academy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tudublin-enterprise-academy/

To learn more about university-enterprise engagement for talent and skills development, subscribe to the Future Talent podcast series wherever you listen to your podcasts.