Engineering firms across Ireland are being called to take part in the upcoming 10th annual STEPS Engineering Your Future programme.

The Engineers Ireland programme is an immersive work experience placement which aims to showcase the diversity and creativity of contemporary engineering to Transition Year students. It is designed to inspire Transition Year students to study engineering.

Calling on engineering employers to get involved in the programme, Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: "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.

"Thanks to our current partners in industry and academia, the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme has facilitated over 2,500 students, providing them with an opportunity to gain rewarding work experience and insight into the limitless opportunities afforded by a career in engineering. However, year-on-year, demand for the programme has significantly increased. We now require even greater support from engineering employers to host Transition Year students and to inspire our future engineering talent."

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Established in 2003, the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme has achieved significant success in supporting students to pursue engineering and STEM courses at third level. It is coordinated by the institution's STEPS programme - funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Education and industry leaders Arup, ESB, Intel and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) – and hosted by partners in academia and industry.

Commenting on their experience working on the programme, Michelle Mac Lennan of Fingleton White, added: "As a leading provider of engineers and project managers to the energy sector, Fingleton White was delighted to play a role in developing Ireland's future talent pipeline by nurturing and encouraging students to learn more about the opportunities that exist in engineering.

"Our virtual work experience programme provided students with the opportunity to engage with our engineering specialists from a range of different disciplines such as mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, biomedical and CAD. The students gained insight into real world projects and worked together (virtually) to solve problems and perform calculations and experiments. We believe that this first-hand experience can be transformative for students who are deciding on their future subject areas and careers, and I would strongly encourage other organisations to participate in the STEPS Engineering Your Future programme."