Play a part in nurturing Ireland’s future engineering talent

AT Engineers Ireland, we believe that Ireland’s youth will play a key role in pushing the boundaries of innovation to protect and enhance our environment and society.

Students, who are currently sitting in primary and secondary schools across Ireland, will become our future engineering graduates. They will join our innovative and creative engineering community and will play a vital role in the successful delivery of ambitious infrastructural and technological initiatives, and our continued transition to a low-carbon and resilient society.

However, in order to support students to play their part in achieving our climate goals and to develop creative solutions for society, educators, engineering organisations and third-level institutions must work together to inspire and empower this next generation of innovators to pursue a career in engineering.

Inspiring future engineering talent

Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme, which is the only national full-time STEM outreach programme with a focus on engineering, plays a key role in inspiring future generations of engineers by supporting teachers, industry and community leaders to engage with primary and secondary school pupils through a portfolio of projects.

In 2022, over 170,000 children directly interacted with the programme — an achievement made possible because of the dedication and commitment of teachers and volunteers from industry, academia and the wider engineering community nationwide.

Our goal is to ensure that all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering.

Providing opportunities to discover engineering

STEPS Engineers Week provides children with the opportunity to discover engineering, facilitated by their teachers, parents and the local community by engaging in fun activities, online events and much more.

Engagement in the classroom is an essential component of the weeklong campaign, and with STEPS Engineers Week 2023 now on the horizon and taking place from 4–10 March 2023, we are encouraging teachers to open their doors and timetables and utilise the fantastic, free resources that are available for primary and secondary school children.

Fun, free resources for the classroom

From engineering challenge packs to sustainability challenges, quizzes, and more students and teachers can access free to download resources in both English and Irish. Additionally, in early February, educators will also have the opportunity to sign-up for free, on-demand virtual engineering shows.

In addition to resources and interactive shows, secondary school teachers can also utilise free engineering mini-series, including Engineers Ireland’s Engineering Excellence Digital Series.

Held in association with ESB, this five-part video series showcases Ireland’s talented engineers and how they play a pivotal role in connecting communities, supporting development, and driving economic growth.

Inspire, empower and engage

With the support of engineering professionals, educators and community leaders, our goal is to ensure all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering and we hope you can join us from 4 – 10 March 2023.

"With the support of engineering professionals, educators and community leaders, our goal is to ensure all children across Ireland are given the opportunity to experience the creative and dynamic world of engineering"