FAQs

The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is a non-profit outreach scheme that promotes interest and awareness in engineering as a future career to school students through a portfolio of projects. STEPS is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Department of Education and Skills and has four industry sponsors including ARUP, ESB, Intel and TII.

The core programme includes: 

1. Engineers Week, an annual, nationwide festival which promotes engineering and the importance of the profession in Ireland.
2. Engineering your Future, a week long immersive experience for transition year students which takes place at third level institutions throughout the country and also with industry.
3. Young Engineers Award an initiative for 3rd and 4th class pupils directly engaging engineers with pupils.
4. The Irish Girl Guide Engineering Badges, (partnership with Guides and Brownies involving fun engineering challenges based on creative thinking, curiosity and team-work).

Engineering Your Future is a week-long, hands-on programme for Transition Year students designed to introduce them to the exciting and diverse world of engineering. Hosted by a number of colleges and companies around the country, the Engineering Your Future programme provides a week of exposure to the various engineering disciplines. 

Attending students gain a meaningful, practical insight into engineering at third level and as a career - interacting with lecturers and graduates, taking part in workshops and meeting engineers during industry visits. The programme opens for application in January and runs in April/May each year depending on the college/ university. 

The time spent by volunteers involved with any STEPS activity is considered to be part of their Continuous Professional Development. A volunteer will be able to claim hours for all time that they commit to any activity, including preparation, training and follow up.