Published on: Monday, 19 May 2014

For further information please contact Norma Welch, Faculty of Engineering & Science by T: 021 4335450

 Photo Gallery 2014

newslink > TY STUDENTS have fun with hands-on Chemical Engineering experience @ CIT

On 19th May, 2014, Transition Year students from Cork, Limerick and Galway headed to CIT to take part in the 'Engineering Your Future' Transition Year Programme. 72 second-level school students attended a week-long programme at CIT.
 
'Engineering Your Future', supported by Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme, is a week-long, hands-on programme for Transition Year students, designed to introduce them to the exciting and diverse world of engineering.
 
It is hosted by six third-level institutes around Ireland and 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 diverse world of engineering, meet engineers at various stages in their careers, 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 many 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 it 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 helps to 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."
 
In 2012, Engineers Ireland’s STEPS programme partnered with UCD to deliver a pilot placement week aimed at giving an insight into what is involved in engineering at college and in the workplace. The programme was expanded in 2013 and now six institutes around the country are hosting Engineering Your Future: CIT, Athlone IT, DIT, IT Carlow, IT Tallaght and UCD.
 
.............................................................................................................
 
Engineers Ireland  is one of the largest representative bodies on the island of Ireland, with over 23,000 engineers. The membership incorporates all disciplines of the engineering profession in Ireland across industry, the public service, semi-state organisations and academic institutions. Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme is a strategic partner of the national Discover Science and Engineering programme.