Tuesday 24 May 2022

'Developing young minds and deeper engagement with industry – key to the future'.

Speaking at the organisation's AGM and presidential address last week, the newly elected chair of Engineers Ireland Thomond Region said that deeper engagement with industry in the region would be a key part of his plans for the coming year.

Highlighting the organisation's previous success in collaborating with industry in the region, Mike Griffin said that he sees plenty of opportunity to continue to engage with companies in the Thomond Region, both large and small, and build on developing these relationships with Engineers Ireland. 

Mike Griffin has been elected as the chair of Engineers Ireland Thomond Region 2022-2023, with vice-chair David Purcell and Engineers Ireland president Professor Feely. Image: Dermot Lynch

Engage with local technology companies

He cited successful examples of recent CPD events with Edwards Lifesciences and Siemens Energy and vowed to continue to engage with local technology companies to showcase the world-class engineering that they carry out.

"As a planet, as a country and as a region, we face difficult and ever-changing problems. I strongly believe that our young people will play a critical role in solving these problems. 

"Therefore, there is an acute need to educate and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.  We face the challenge of attracting young people, particularly women into the engineering profession," said Griffin, adding that he was delighted that Engineers Ireland would again be a partner of the Explore Engineering event, aimed at second-level students, parents and guidance counsellors to encourage them to pursue a career in engineering as they choose third-level courses.

Welcoming newly elected vice-chair David Purcell, and other officers and committee members, Griffin also said that he was looking forward to a busy year of events ahead, without the challenges of Covid.