Last week, The B!G Idea proudly took part in WorldSkills Ireland, where our Head of Development and Sustainability, Niamh Cooney, joined a panel of inspiring leaders to discuss how we can help young people unlock their full potential. The energy in the room was electric—proof that the future is bright, and together, we can empower the next wave of creative thinkers. During the day we connected with young people, educators, and industry leaders to spotlight the critical importance of creative thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the importance of Flearning (Failure + learning = Flearning!).
These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”; they’re essential for the jobs of today and tomorrow and for young people to reach their full potential, whatever future direction they take.
B!G Skills in Action! From construction and design to film and TV, the event showcased how relevant these skills are across every sector. The live competitions were nothing short of inspiring—creative thinking and problem-solving were on full display through a range of hands-on challenges in fields like wall building, plastering, cake design, TV and film model making, hairdressing, live coding, and more. The energy was electric, with young people showcasing their talents and creativity across diverse trades, reminding us how vital these skills are to shaping industries and economies.
Skills for All: As businesses face challenges like climate change, automation, and the shift to a green economy, it’s clear that creative and problem-solving abilities are in high demand—but often missing from traditional education. The World Economic Forum, LinkedIn, and Forbes have all identified creative thinking as a top skill needed by 2025 and our B!G Idea partners are living proof that creative thinking and innovation are central to future-proofing every business.
Cross Generational Upskilling: That’s where The B!G Idea steps in. By linking students with professionals through our online mentoring programmes, we’re preparing the next generation with the skills employers demand. Whether it’s tackling AI advancements or addressing sustainability challenges and the UN SDGs, our students and mentors are joining forces to innovate and drive real change.
Wider Impact: Both WorldSkills Ireland and The B!G Idea support key governmental and OECD strategies like the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the Action Plan for Apprenticeship, which aim to build a future-ready workforce through lifelong learning, inclusivity, and industry collaboration. By creating opportunities for students to develop vital, real-world skills, we’re directly contributing to Ireland’s long-term economic growth and resilience.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future, we want to hear from you. Join us on this journey, and together, we’ll build a workforce ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
