As part of STEPS Engineering Week, our team headed off to primary and secondary schools across Ireland where they introduced young people to the exciting and diverse world of engineering.
We worked alongside Engineers Ireland to collaborate with local schools, providing practical resources for teachers, such as hands-on activities, a classroom celebration pack and on-demand virtual engineering shows, to inspire the next generation of engineers.
One of the standout moments of the event was the 45-minute ‘City of the Future’ documentary and competition, which gave young people a chance to explore what the future might look like. The school screenings encouraged the children to think and talk about the kind of sustainable changes our cities will need. Run in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, the competition invited students to explore what Irish cities could look like in 2050, blending creativity and engineering to envision a smarter and greener future.
As part of the programme, Shihan Gong, Civil Engineer at Waterman Moylan, visited Scoil Choilm Community School where she shared insight into her career in engineering with the senior students. She discussed climate change, outlining its causes, and explained how engineers are helping to tackle this ongoing global issue.
Reflecting on the importance of the initiative, Shihan Gong said:
“As engineers, we have the power to design infrastructure that protects our environment, supports biodiversity, and mitigates the effects of climate change. By sharing our knowledge and passion, we can inspire young minds to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.”
Talking about engineering in an interactive environment helps young people understand that it’s not just theoretical, it is a field where they can make visible and transformative change. We’re proud to have been part of this year’s Engineers Week, helping to inspire students to think about a future where their ideas can shape change. We’re excited to keep sharing our knowledge and supporting the next generation of engineers across Ireland.
