¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Adam Brennan, graduate of UL’s Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology.

While working in the area of Special Educational Needs teaching, and having been introduced to the process of 3D printing ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, Adam saw the potential to create 3D-printed sensory toys to help students with ADHD focus and regulate their emotions. The positive response from students inspired him to set up his own business, Sona Sensory. 

Here, Adam describes how his time ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ influenced his career and how his business has since gone from strength to strength.


Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am from Castlecomer, County Kilkenny. I went to primary school at Muckalee National School, and for secondary, I went to Castlecomer Community School. 

I graduated from UL’s Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology in 2022 and got my first teaching job in Heywood Community School, Ballinakill, County Laois.

I am involved with a few sports teams. I play for my local soccer team and hurling club, while also running outside of team sports. I also coach schools hurling teams as well.


Why did you choose to study the Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?

Engineering was my favourite subject in school. I was always interested in how things worked, design, and how products were put together. I chose teaching as I valued education and being part of a community.


What did you enjoy most about the course?

What I enjoyed most about the course was the people involved, from the lecturers to the teaching assistants and fellow students, who all helped with my studies. 

The lecturers and teaching assistants were creative in their approach to education. The students were unique with their different styles and strengths in learning. Group projects were common, and when teams were formed, everyone collectively worked well together and supported one another. 


What did you enjoy about UL? What is student life like here?

The UL community is very friendly and there is a great culture and atmosphere throughout campus. The Glucksman Library was a common meeting point, but not as much as The Stables!


Can you tell us about your co-op placement?

My first teaching placement was in Tyndall College in Carlow in March 2020, which was ideal for me as it wasn’t too far away from home. Unfortunately, due to Covid, it was cut short after three weeks and schools were closed down for the rest of the year. 

Luckily enough, at the time, I had a weekend job which became my full-time job until January 2021. This was at Jim Bolger’s Racehorse training and breeder, which classified us as essential workers. 

My second placement began in October 2021 during the first semester of the final year of my degree. This was Kilkenny City Vocational School, which was also very close to me in distance. I continued to work there as a substitute teacher throughout the second semester while completing my final year project in the Glucksman Library in UL at weekends. 


How did UL support you throughout your studies? Did it prepare you for entering the workplace upon graduating?

UL provided excellent support throughout my studies, both academically and personally. The structure of the Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering and Technology really helped us transition smoothly from being students to becoming teachers. The balance between theory and practical experience, especially the teaching placements, gave me confidence walking into a real classroom for the first time.

Overall, UL absolutely prepared me for the workplace. It taught me how to plan effectively, communicate clearly, and adapt to different situations, all of which have been invaluable in both teaching and starting my own business.


Tell us about your own career journey so far?

While I was still in school, I got a part-time job with John Brennan Machinery Supplies in Kilkenny, which came about through one of my TY work experience placements. There, I learned a great deal about repairing agricultural machinery and working with hydraulics. I also gained experience dealing with customers in the store and preparing invoices. This was my first real insight into how a business operates.

After college, I began my teaching career at Heywood Community School, where I taught Engineering and Graphics, covering a two-year career break. I was then offered a contract at St. Kevin’s Community College in Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, where I also became involved in Special Educational Needs teaching. 

I’m now back at Heywood, covering classes and teaching some support sessions, as well as taking part in the Nurture Programme, which focuses on student wellbeing and engagement in school life.

During my second year at Heywood, I began exploring business ideas. Through my experience in the Technology Department, I became interested in 3D printing. I noticed both the growing demand for it and the lack of public access to such services. 

In January 2024, I bought my first 3D printer and launched a service website called , which went live the following month. I received some custom orders, but my long-term goal was to develop a product that I could build a brand around.

Through my work in the Nurture Programme, I started creating 3D-printed sensory toys to help students with ADHD focus and regulate their emotions. The positive response from students inspired me to develop and sell animal-themed sensory toys, which first became available at The National Reptile Zoo in Kilkenny in April 2024. 

Over the following months, I refined the brand and expanded distribution. By April 2025, my products were stocked in four major gift shops - The National Reptile Zoo, The Jurassic Newpark, Dingle Aquarium, and Dublin Zoo - making them the only Irish-made toys in each location.

In May 2025, I launched an e-commerce website called  and was selected to represent Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly. The event generated fantastic interest, and I’m now producing hand-sized fidget sets for Special Educational Needs centres across both primary and secondary schools.


What advice would you offer to students considering studying Bachelor of Education in Graphics, Engineering?

This course is an excellent choice for anyone interested in Engineering and Design. Although it’s primarily a teaching degree, many graduates go on to build careers beyond education - including roles in engineering, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. 

Personally, I’ve found that the fundamental skills developed through teaching - such as organisation, time management, and diligence translate seamlessly into running a business.


What are your hopes and plans for the future?

As I grow the business, I would like to get into more retailers, hopefully Ken Blacks, Smyth’s and more independent toy stores. I would also really like to introduce 3D printing into different industries, as a main manufacturer for companies. 

Next year, I feel I will be ready to start employing people and expand the business further. 

As for teaching, I would like to stay involved in schools, and I am keen to do a Special Educational Needs course to enable me to work part-time in this area. 


Anything else you would like to say that we didn’t ask you about? 

Looking back, I’m very grateful for my time in UL and the experiences it gave me - not just academically, but personally. The course encouraged creativity and problem-solving, which have helped me in every aspect of my career, from teaching to running a business.

I’ve learned that career paths don’t always follow a straight line. Teaching gave me structure, confidence, and purpose, while starting a business allowed me to explore creativity and innovation in a different way. Both complement each other, and I think that’s what makes this journey so rewarding.

To any current or future students - take every opportunity to learn, ask questions, and try new things. You never know what small project or idea might grow into something much bigger.