STEPS initiative

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 10th annual STEPS Engineering Your Future programme, taking place from March through to May 2022.

Established in 2012 by Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme – and 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.

In the programme, run over three to five days, students attend interactive talks and presentations; get 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 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 helps students to explore a variety of engineering disciplines and also experience, first-hand, the vital role of engineers in society.”

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 19 project partners, providing even more students with the opportunity to explore the engineering profession.”

With placements still available, those already working in the industry should broadcast the news to all their colleagues and friends in order to encourage transition year students to apply for a place.

See: https://www.engineersireland. ie/Schools/Get-involved/EngineeringYour-Future/Transition-Yearprogramme