Published on: Monday, 20 May 2013

Secondary school students from around Cork are taking part in the first ever “Engineering Your Future” Transition Year Programme at Cork Institute of Technology. Twenty six Secondary school students – ten girls and sixteen boys - from across Cork will attend the programme at CIT starting on Monday May 20th.

The “Engineering Your Future” Transition Year Programme is a week-long, hands-on programme for Transition Year students and is designed to introduce them to the exciting and diverse world of Engineering.

The event, supported by STEPS and hosted by a number of third level Institutes throughout Ireland, offers Transition Year students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the skills required of engineers and the career opportunities available to qualified engineers. Students can learn about the disciplines and technologies making up the exciting world of Engineering, meet engineers at various stages in their careers and hear about their experiences, gain an in-depth understanding of the diversity of engineering at third level and its subject content and experience what engineers do on a daily basis through industry visits.

Michael Loftus, Head of Faculty of Engineering & Science in CIT, said: ‘This programme provides students with the opportunity to experience engineering innovation in operation in CIT and to see at first hand the environment which has produced European award-winning students for the past three years.

"Students are being given an opportunity to develop skills in areas such as critical thinking, problem solving and design, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. In addition they get a chance to visit CIT and view the excellent facilities and courses that the Institute has to offer. The programme encompasses a range of activities during the week, including industry visits, hands-on workshops, presentations and project work. Students also get the opportunity to meet with engineers, engineering graduates and staff members in the Faculty.

"Exposure to this type of experience to help inform their decision-making in relation to course selection in higher education. Better informed students will make better informed course and career choices, and this is an outcome that will be highly beneficial to them over time."

For further information please contact Norma Welch, Faculty of Engineering & Science on 021  5335450