Families encouraged to get involved in Ireland’s largest celebration of engineering in the community during STEPS Engineers Week 2020, with events to take place on Saturday, February 29 and Sunday, March 1 to inspire tomorrow’s engineers.

A series of Family Fairs to inspire Ireland’s future engineers through interactive workshops, hands-on activities and spectacular shows will take place in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Sligo to kick off STEPS Engineers Week 2020.

Importance of profession to Ireland

Now its 14th year, STEPS Engineers Week is a campaign held annually to promote engineering as a career and the importance of the profession to Ireland.

Taking place from Saturday, February 29 – Friday, March 6, the initiative is coordinated 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).

On Saturday, February 29, at NUI Galway, families will get the opportunity to build wind turbines, take part in 3D printing demonstrations, water magic workshops, test their superhero powers and more at this fun, free, full-day family event at the Alice Perry Building on campus.

On Sunday, March 1, IT Sligo and the Old Cork Waterworks Experience will both host free to attend Engineers Week family activities to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Opportunity to meet Robothespian

At IT Sligo, families will get the opportunity to meet Robothespian, a humanoid acting robot, build and launch rockets, and discover how engineers design cars that go hundreds of miles an hour, build structures that can survive earthquakes, and cook food by using only mirrors.

Meanwhile in Cork, the Old Cork Waterworks Experience will offer parents and children alike the opportunity to drive VEX robots, take part in LEGO construction challenges and follow engineering trails.

In Dublin, on Saturday, February 29, and Sunday, March 1, the Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme will open its headquarters , for two-days of hands on activities and workshops led by Explorium, Scientific Sue and Silly Billy.

The Reptile Zoo and Whizz Kids will also offer workshops and learning experiences throughout the weekend for a nominal fee of €5 per child. Every parent and child who attends STEPS Engineers Week Family Fair in Dublin will also be provided with complimentary tickets to visit Explorium in Sandyford during Engineers Week to engage in further STEM activities.

Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland, said: “The STEPS Engineers Week Family Fairs in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Sligo will bring the fascinating world of engineering to life and provide parents and children with the opportunity to dream, invent and create like professional engineers.

'More than just bridges and structures'

“Engineering is more than just bridges and structures, engineers are responsible for designing and creating the technology behind virtual reality, the invisible technology that supports our daily lives and finding solutions to tackle climate change.

"I would encourage families to attend a Family Fair and find out more about how Irish engineers are pushing the limits of innovation.”

Dr Ruth Freeman, director, Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland said: “The Engineers Week Family Fairs are a wonderful opportunity for families to explore the creative and boundless opportunities a career in STEM can offer.

"Families will be able to participate in hands-on activities, workshops and shows, and engage in meaningful career conversations with professionals. I would encourage parents, grandparents and guardians to save the date in their diaries and come along to find out more about the exciting world of engineering.”

For more information about the STEPS Engineers Week Family Fairs in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Sligo and to pre-book activities, visit: https://www.engineersweek.ie/family-fairs/