As part of Engineers’ Week 2011 (14-20 Feb), coordinated by Engineers Ireland, George Best Belfast City Airport opened its doors to pupils from Priory Integrated College to showcase the importance of engineering within an airport.

As well as an exclusive tour of the Air Traffic Control tower, Radar Room and the airports’ Fire Station, the Year 10 Science pupils received presentations from engineers from companies including Belfast City Airport, Flybe. Bombardier and National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

The students then observed Stephen Finney, Air Traffic Control, as he managed the busy flow of air traffic on the ground and in the surrounding airspace.

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Conor McConville, Capital Projects Engineer at Belfast City Airport, said: “Belfast City Airport is provides employment for many engineers in Northern Ireland and we were all more than happy to talk to the students from Priory Integrated College about our jobs and roles within the airport.

“I’m delighted we were able to take part in an event established throughout the whole of Ireland and provide an insight into the engineering world.

“It was a pleasure to spend the day with the students who participated and were interested in all the activities of the Open Day. I think we even spotted a few budding engineers.”

Engineers’ Week, run by Engineers Ireland, focuses on creating a positive awareness about engineering throughout Ireland.

John Power, Director General, Engineers Ireland, said: “We encourage everyone to get involved in Engineers Week and see how engineers are changing the world we live in by developing new technologies, new energy sources and breakthrough medical devices.

“School children, teachers, families, parents and grandparents are all welcome. Engineers Week will show that engineering is ingenuity; it is creativity – it’s about pushing the boundaries of possibility. There are some great activities taking place across the country and I hope you all take the time to join in and enjoy the week.”

(GK)