Trinity College Dublin’s School of Engineering recently hosted 50 Transition Year students for three days to take part in seminars, field trips, and engineering workshops to encourage interest in the field of engineering. This event was organised by Professor Patrick Morrissey and was held as part of the STEPS Engineers Week which aims to provide primary and secondary school children with the opportunity to explore the creative world of engineering and the diverse opportunities a career in the sector can offer.

According to a recent engineering employer survey by Engineers Ireland, 38% of engineering employers are participating in primary and secondary schools outreach programmes to ensure that their organizations have the necessary skills and expertise to undertake future projects. The findings were revealed as STEPS Engineers Week continues in schools and communities across Ireland.

In addition to school visits and site visits hosted by engineers as part of STEPS Engineers Week, 665 Transition Year (TY) students also joined 29 engineering organizations and higher education institutions for work experience placements as part of the STEPS Engineering Future programme. This immersive engineering work experience programme, which is up to a week long, has provided over 3,000 TY students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession.

The programme involves the participation of 29 engineering organizations and higher education institutions hosting students. These students are provided with opportunities to 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.

Speaking about the research, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland commented:

“Findings from our latest employer survey have shown that 8,000 jobs are anticipated in the engineering sector in 2023. However, our recent survey also highlighted that 72% of member-respondents are majorly concerned about the shortage of engineers with the correct skills. These engineering employers see this shortage as the main barrier to business growth. In addition to upskilling employees, increasing investment in lifelong learning and collaborating with educational institutions, our employer survey found that 38% of engineering employers are now engaging with primary and secondary schools outreach programmes in order to build and develop our future engineering talent pipeline.”

 

Mr Owens added that:

“The STEPS Engineering Your Future programme has grown from a pilot with UCD in 2012 to now having 29 project partners, providing even more students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession. Innovative and forward-thinking companies are now working hand-in-hand with partners in academia to develop the talent of the future by providing Transition Year students with an opportunity to gain insight into engineering courses, careers, and apprenticeship opportunities in their locality. This immersive experience encourages students to not only explore a variety of engineering disciplines but also experience, first-hand, the vital role of engineers in society.”

 

Trinity’s School of Engineering are delighted to have hosted these students and we are extremely impressed by how engaged and inquisitive they were. To learn more about the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme, please visit the Engineers Ireland website.