Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme has called on engineers from across Ireland to adopt a school during STEPS Engineers Week 2021 to help inspire the next generation of engineering talent in Ireland.

Taking place from February 27-March 5, 2021, STEPS Engineers Week is a week-long campaign held annually to encourage young people, their teachers and parents to explore the creative world of engineering and highlight the diverse opportunities a career in the sector can offer.

The initiative, now entering its 15^th year, is managed by Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme – funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Education and Skills and industry leaders Arup, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

'Aspire to solve global issues'

“At Engineers Ireland, we recognise our future engineering innovators who aspire to solve global issues may not even be in the engineering field yet. They may be just starting out their education journey in our primary and secondary schools,” said Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland. 

“Engineers are uniquely placed to help the world meet critical goals, including ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all.

"It is therefore so critically important that we encourage more students to engage with STEM subjects and engineering activities at primary and secondary level so that they too can progress to studying engineering at third level and be equipped to innovate and respond to societal needs both in Ireland and overseas in the future.

“We all must play our part in building further awareness and interest in engineering as a creative and diverse career choice and I strongly encourage Ireland’s engineering community to take part in the adopt a school initiative in advance of STEPS Engineers Week 2021.

Presentations and workshops

"By engaging with your local school and delivering presentations and workshops, either in person or virtually, you too can help bring the fascinating world of engineering to life in classrooms throughout Ireland.”

Dr Juan Pablo Osorio, lecturer at the School of Civil and Structural Engineering at Technological University Dublin and committed STEPS Volunteer, is an advocate for the adopt a school initiative, having engaged his local primary school to bring engineering to life through engineering presentations and workshops. Encouraging others to follow his lead, Dr Osorio said: “As an engineering professional, I believe it is critically important that Ireland’s engineering community comes together to support and guide our future engineering talent.

"By showcasing the amazing ways engineers in Ireland are pushing the limits of ingenuity and innovation, you can help to spark a curiosity in a child’s mind, which may inspire future study or a career in this exciting and limitless profession.”

A webinar for engineers and engineering organisations who want to learn more about how to adopt a school this STEPS Engineers Week 2021 is now available to view. 

Additionally, engineers can avail of a number of free resources to assist with classroom visits.

For further information on how to get involved, and to help inspire the next generation of engineering talent in Ireland, click here.