Engineering employers are set to join forces with third-level institutions across Ireland to provide Transition Year students with the opportunity to gain insight into the diversity and creativity of contemporary engineering. 

The Environmental Protection Agency, ESB, DBFL Consulting Engineers, Palliare Ltd, Fingleton White and Clandillon Civil Consulting will join 13 third level institutions across Ireland to host over 550 Transition Year students for the 10^th annual STEPS Engineering Your Future programme, taking place from March – May 2022.

Established in 2012 by Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme – supported by the Department of Education and industry leaders Arup, EPA, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) - the immersive engineering work experience initiative has provided over 2,500 students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession.

During the programme, which is run over three to five days, students will attend interactive talks and presentations; get hands-on experience with group-based activities; visit local industry and meet engineers at various stages in their careers. 

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, commented: “As a knowledge-based economy and an island nation, we have a reliance on the quality and quantity of our STEM graduates.  Ireland needs a steady supply of engineers, with the necessary skillset, to boost local economies, create new jobs, facilitate sustainable development, and meet Government ambitions.

“Through the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme, and thanks to our partners in industry and academia, Transition Year students are provided with the opportunity to gain rewarding work experience and an insight into the limitless opportunities afforded by a career in engineering. This immersive experience encourages students to explore a variety of engineering disciplines and also experience, first-hand, the vital role of engineers in society,” Ms Spillane added.

Encouraging Transition Year students to apply for a place on the programme, Ms Spillane continued: “The STEPS Engineering Your Future programme has grown from a pilot with UCD in 2012 to now having nineteen project partners, providing even more students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession. With placements still available across the Republic of Ireland, I would encourage Transition Year students who would like to play a role in transforming society to apply for a place today.”

For more information on the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme and to apply, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Schools/Get-involved/Engineering-Your-Future/Transition-Year-programme