Mid West Lean Network: Lean in Action – How Industry and Students Solved Real School Challenges

What happens when students partner with industry to solve real problems using lean thinking?

Students from St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon, set industry a challenge at last year’s Mid-West Lean Network Conference: to help them resolve two everyday issues within their school:

• Streamline canteen operations, reduce queues, and improve payment efficiency
• Reduce unauthorised student exits by 90%

Two companies – Berka Solutions and Cook Medical – accepted the challenge and have been working with the school over the past four months.

This event showcases the results of this unique collaboration between Transition Year students and industry leaders, as they applied lean principles to deliver practical, measurable solutions.

More than just outcomes, it highlights the journey: collaboration, problem-solving, and the impact of equipping young people with real-world skills.

Join us to see how lean thinking, combined with industry expertise, can drive meaningful change… starting in the classroom.

Registration, networking, and light refreshments from 9:00am, with the event starting at 9:30am.

DATE: 08/05/2026

TIME: 9:00 am – 11:30 am

VENUE: Zimmer Biomet, Shannon Industrial Estate East, Shannon, V14 WN80

REGISTER HERE: https://www.shannonchamber.ie/events/lean-in-action-how-industry-and-students-solved-real-school-challenges/