Continuous Learning in the Age of AI

In 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, lifelong learning, and purpose-driven work as he shares how he navigated roles at JP Morgan, Citi, Allstate, and Invest NI. With candor and clarity, John reveals what it means to lead with vision, bridge digital divides, and build meaningful careers, especially in a world transformed by AI.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Technology skills become obsolete. Continuous learning is non-negotiable.
• Careers often unfold through unexpected pivots, not straight paths.
• AI is not coming, it’s already changing how we build and deliver software.
• Leadership means communicating vision and inspiring belief in it.
• Collaboration across competitors can strengthen the whole sector.
• Good careers are built on more than qualifications. Skills like teamwork and adaptability matter most.
• Infrastructure, connectivity, and equity are essential to close the digital divide.
• Northern Ireland’s tech sector thrives because of deep relationships across academia, government, and business.
• The Software & AI initiative shows how industry can drive collective impact.
• Purpose is about creating jobs that improve lives, not just writing code.

BEST MOMENTS
00:00:04. “I knew nothing about interest rate and derivatives when I started, but it's a skill to know that you've got to have that ability to continuously learn throughout your career.”
00:01:34. “I absolutely hated engineering. I promised myself on graduation day I wasn’t going to work a single day as an engineer.”
00:04:29. “I had to go to the library to look up half the words in the job ad. I had never even heard of an investment bank.”
00:07:09. “I just absolutely loved it. From that support job, I moved onto the development side.”
00:09:16. “You’ve got to be prepared, willing and able to continually refresh your tech skills.”
00:10:47. “Whenever you're dead and gone, there's not a single person from JP Morgan going to be standing at my graveside.”
00:17:50. “Instead of having 10% of everything, let's have 100% of something.”
00:23:02. “Girls are out-performing boys at school. They’re getting the grades, but still not choosing tech.”
00:26:59. “You have all the best intentions, but you can't maximize the impact because schools just can't interact with you.”
00:44:34. “That's what the motivation is. The difference I can make from whatever seat I'm sitting in.”

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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 building products used by elite sports teams, they share an honest and inspiring story of growth, challenge, and the power of real-world experience. This episode breaks down how apprenticeships are opening new doors into tech, how support and curiosity go hand in hand, and why young people don’t have to choose between learning and working.

A must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone curious about the future of careers in Northern Ireland.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Apprenticeships provide a valid, valuable alternative to university
• Supportive environments help young people build confidence from day one
• Learning on the job reinforces academic studies
• Collaboration and teamwork are key to growth in tech roles
• Real-world projects create tangible impact and satisfaction
• Tech careers are increasingly accessible to women
• Mentorship from peers strengthens understanding
• Flexibility in remote and hybrid work boosts productivity
• Early exposure to problem-solving builds long-term resilience
• AI is viewed as a helpful tool, not a replacement

BEST MOMENTS

00:00:05. “You're not supposed to know everything. You're meant to go in with a mindset that you're excited to learn.”
00:01:43. “We were able to get involved in a competition… and the result was us being taken to Silicon Valley.”
00:03:06. “Our physics teacher in particular recommended Workplus to help us get started.”
00:04:20. “Every day is different. So you go in and there's a new problem to solve.”
00:06:07. “From the beginning, it's been encouraged that you're not supposed to know everything.”
00:10:40. “We are given the time to do that. It's not all… there isn't a pressure on deadlines as such.”
00:12:13. “From day one, you do feel valued and that your opinions are respected.”
00:13:13. “We offer lots of different products to elite sports teams.”
00:19:26. “Our two last two hiring of apprentices have been fully female.”
00:30:31. “Just continue to work hard and do what you're doing and it will work out.”

🎧 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

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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 a trusted teacher led her to try computer science, and that changed everything.

Áine shares how she found her feet in software engineering, what her day-to-day work actually looks like, and why she’s so passionate about shaping the future of skills and education in Northern Ireland. She also lifts the lid on Instil’s culture, what makes apprentices succeed, and why industry collaboration matters more than ever.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The path into tech doesn’t have to be perfect or planned. Sometimes the best decisions come from a gut feeling.
• Teachers can change lives. One teacher’s advice led Áine to explore a career she had never considered.
• Real-world experience matters. Getting into a company early opened doors and built her confidence.
• Apprenticeships are a powerful route into tech. Áine says she would have chosen that path if it had been available.
• Software engineering isn’t just about code. It’s also about problem-solving, communication, and end-user impact.
• Instil’s approach blends technical excellence with a strong culture of mentorship and learning.
• Working in tech means every day is different. Flexibility, curiosity, and resilience are key.
• Collaboration across companies is the only way to fix long-term skills and education challenges.
• Software NI is helping bring schools, government, and industry together to align goals and create lasting change.

BEST MOMENTS

01:23 “I don’t have a ‘I was always meant to be a software engineer’ thing… it just sort of happened.”
04:13 “She was the one that encouraged me to put down computer science as a first choice.”
06:33 “Once I’ve made a decision, I’ve made it. That’s it. I’m going here, computer science.”
08:54 “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I nearly did.”
14:45 “What I intended to do today didn’t happen. My focus became helping someone else.”
18:03 “Try not to get too much in the weeds. Always think, who is this for?”
25:09 “We all want the same thing, young people in jobs, contributing to the economy.”
29:01 “Clients are asking for our apprentices by name. They’re that good.”
32:59 “I’m devastated I wasn’t born 10 years later. I would’ve loved to do an apprenticeship.”
34:00 “I’m acting like a sponge right now. Soaking up everything to prepare for senior leadership.”

🎧 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