European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu visits TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) welcomed European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu to its Grangegorman Campus on Friday, 16 October 2026. The President of TU Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis and Chair of the TU Dublin Governing Body, Eoin O'Shea welcomed the Commissioner to the campus for a visit showcasing the University’s approach to practice-based education, skills development and preparing graduates for the changing world of work.
As Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Ms Mînzatu leads work at a European level on education and training, vocational skills, quality employment, social inclusion and lifelong learning. Her portfolio includes the European Commission’s Union of Skills initiative, which aims to strengthen skills development, support adult learning and vocational education, and address skills shortages across Europe.
The visit highlighted how TU Dublin combines academic learning with practical experience, industry engagement and flexible pathways into higher education and employment. Students and staff from across the University showcased their work in areas including apprenticeships, WorldSkills, artificial intelligence and digital skills, further education pathways and student engagement.
The apprenticeship showcase highlighted the role of work-based learning in developing professional skills and widening access to education. Students presented demonstrations and exhibits illustrating how apprenticeships connect learning with practical experience and the needs of employers.
TU Dublin’s strong connection with WorldSkills was also highlighted during the visit, with university graduates, current students and apprentices recognised for their achievements and involvement in WorldSkills competitions. Their involvement highlighted the value of skills competitions in recognising excellence, promoting vocational education and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.
Across disciplines including healthcare, technology, engineering and hospitality, TU Dublin embeds practical experience into learning through placements, projects and industry-informed assessments. This approach helps students develop the knowledge and experience required to make a meaningful contribution from the outset of their careers.
The visit also highlighted the University’s work in artificial intelligence and digital skills, demonstrating how students and staff are engaging with emerging technologies and supporting the development of digital capabilities for the future.
Students from across TU Dublin’s campuses and disciplines played a central role in welcoming the Executive Vice-President and showcasing the breadth of the University’s educational offering.
TU Dublin Student Ambassadors represented a wide range of disciplines, including computing, engineering, construction, biomedical diagnostics, clinical measurement physiology, architecture, film and broadcasting, business and music. Their participation illustrated the diversity of the University community and the different pathways through which students develop their skills and prepare for their chosen careers.
Representatives of TU Dublin Students’ Union also took part, bringing the student voice into the visit and highlighting the importance of student representation and engagement in university life.
The visit highlighted TU Dublin’s diverse pathways into higher education, including further education, apprenticeships and international learning opportunities, with Romanian students studying in Ireland among those involved.
Commissioner Mînzatu also met with TU Dublin staff involved in the European University of Technology (EUt+), an alliance of nine European universities working together to create a more integrated European university, with a focus on technology, engineering, innovation and sustainability, while expanding opportunities for students and staff through collaboration in education and research.
Ms Mînzatu’s portfolio priorities, including skills development, quality jobs, social inclusion and lifelong learning, closely align with TU Dublin’s mission to provide accessible, career-focused education that responds to Ireland’s evolving workforce needs.
Through practice-based learning, industry partnerships and flexible pathways, TU Dublin equips graduates with the skills and experience to succeed in the workplace, support innovation and contribute to a more inclusive and competitive economy in Ireland and across Europe.
