Mullingar students celebrate world of engineering
Primary and secondary school students and their teachers from schools in the Westmeath took part in numerous activities to mark Engineers Week, which has just concluded.
Run by the Engineers Ireland STEPS (Science, Technology and Engineering Programme for Schools,) the event celebrates the world of engineering with primary and secondary pupils. The main aim is to promote engineering, and show the importance of the profession.
Midlands Science (a not for profit company which promotes STEM education [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] co-ordinated a programme of events in Westmeath, Longford, Offaly and Laois, in conjunction with Engineers Ireland.
Themed lessons were conducted in classrooms to help students discover the world of engineering and teachers and schools ha access to free engineering resources provided by the STEPS team.
Engineering professionals and third level institutions engaged with their communities through classroom visits and online workshops to showcase the profession and highlight the ways engineers in Ireland are pushing the boundaries of innovation.
CEO of Midlands Science, Jackie Gorman, said: “The week is an annual campaign to promote engineering as a career and to highlight the importance of the profession to Ireland. Students of engineering develop a valuable set of skills that serve as a strong career foundation.
“During Engineers Week, the students explored the creative world of engineering and the opportunities a career in the sector can offer.”
“Engineers are problem-solvers; they have a flexible, creative approach to work; and they work well in teams. These skills are highly useful in every role from technician to chief executive, and in every industry from aerospace to healthcare to software.”
Business Development manager of Midlands Science Paulie Nally congratulated the students that participated: “It was heartening to see the wide range of companies and organisations who supported us in promoting engineering in the midlands this year. Anyone wishing to discuss further such opportunities to promote in the STEM in the year ahead is welcome to get in touch.”
John O’Donovan, Integra LifeSciences, Tullamore, said: “We are only too happy to support Midlands Science in promoting initiatives like Engineers Week that celebrate the world of engineering.
“There is a demand worldwide for engineers because they are essential to the growth and development of every country. An engineering qualification offers a chance to do interesting work with interesting people, enhance people’s lives, and explore almost unlimited career opportunities.”
Now in its 16th year STEPS Engineers Week is funded by the Department of Education and industry leaders Wind Energy Ireland, Arup, the EPA ,ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
“Having information about climate change available in schools is vital. Supporting the roll-out of this information through a series of Climate Change in a Box initiatives, while also marking Engineers Week, was a perfect combination for us. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and appetite within schools for information to help them play their part in the fight against climate change,” said Noel Cunniffe, CEO, Wind Energy Ireland.