Home ▻ Public Sites▻Guidance Counsellors▻CPD

CPD

Demo image for slide 1

The Future World of Work

Welcome to the 2026 Guidance Counsellor CPD Event

The Future World of Work: Preparing Students for What’s Next

How is the world of work changing, and what will it mean for the next generation? Join us at the University of Galway on Tuesday, 8 December 2026 in the Human Biology Building, for a CPD event bringing together Guidance Counsellors from across Ireland to explore emerging career opportunities, the impact of AI and the skills students will need to thrive in a changing world.

Accommodation – Harbour Hotel
10 rooms are held under the name “Uni of Galway Guidance Counsellors” at the Harbour Hotel, at a special corporate rate of €145 B&B per room, per night (single occupancy).

 

 

9.45am-10.00am | Setting the Scene

Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment & Outreach

Our Speakers

Our CPD event brings together experienced professionals and speakers who will share their expertise, insights and practical guidance to support the ongoing professional development of Guidance Counsellors. Explore their profiles to learn more about their backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Professor David Burn

President of University of Galway

Gerry Reilly

Secretary General, Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Trayc Keevans

Global FDI Director and Head of Research, Recruitment & Talent Solutions, Morgan McKinley Ireland

Paul Devereux

Senior Engineering Director for Surgical Ireland at Medtronic

10.00–10.15am | Welcome Address

President Burn, University of Galway

10.15–10.30am | Opening Remarks

Gerry Reilly, Secretary General, Institute of Guidance Counsellors

10.30–10.50am | What Employers Want: Preparing Young People for Tomorrow’s Jobs

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director and Head of Research, Recruitment & Talent Solutions, Morgan McKinley Ireland

10.50–11.10am | Engineering the Future

Engineering the Future: Innovation, Technology and Careers in MedTech
Paul Devereux, Senior Engineering Director for Surgical Ireland, Medtronic

Panel Discussion

This panel discussion will explore how we can best prepare young people for the future world of work. Bringing together diverse perspectives, the discussion will consider the changing nature of work and the skills, opportunities and support young people need to thrive in the future.

Nuala McGuinn

Director, Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development

Marie Laffey

Head of the Career Development Centre

Noel Carroll

Associate Professor of Business Information Systems

Gerry Reilly

Secretary General, Institute of Guidance Counsellors

Trayc Keevans

Global FDI Director and Head of Research, Recruitment & Talent Solutions, Morgan McKinley Ireland

Paul Devereux

Senior Engineering Director for Surgical Ireland at Medtronic

11.30am–12.00pm | Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion: Preparing Young People for the Future World of Work

Coaching

Explore how coaching approaches can be used in the classroom to empower young people, build confidence, encourage self-reflection and support students to take ownership of their learning and development.

Anna Cunningham

Head of Staff Coaching at University of Galway

Deirdre McGreevy

Schools Liaison Officer, University of Galway

12.00–12.30pm | Coaching Skills for Career Decision Making

  • Anna Cunningham, Head of Coaching, University of Galway
  • Deirdre McGreevy, Schools Liaison Officer, University of Galway

Parking and Wifi Information

Parking and Wi-Fi information is available to help you plan ahead and stay connected while you are on campus.

Click here

Wi-Fi Information

Click here

Parking Information

Downloads