Engineers Ireland Northern Region (EINR) has announced the return of Engineers Week, taking place from Saturday 28 February to Friday 6 March 2026. Now in its third year in Northern Ireland, the initiative continues to grow in both ambition and impact, connecting thousands of young people with the world of engineering through hands-on experiences, school visits, site tours, and inspiring role models. Delivered by the EINR, Engineers Week is a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), designed to make engineering visible, accessible and exciting to the next generation of problem-solvers. Each day will feature a live event in a different part of Northern Ireland, aimed at students aged 5–14 across Key Stages 1, 2 and 3. The goal is to showcase the real-world relevance of engineering and to highlight the diverse career pathways available across the sector.
Engineers Week has become a key moment in the calendar for schools and engineers alike. In 2025, over 2,000 pupils took part in events across the region, ranging from infrastructure tours to conservation site visits and construction workshops. Pupils met engineers, tackled creative challenges, and explored how innovation, sustainability and teamwork play a role in solving real-world problems. Highlights included the Big Bridge, where schoolchildren built and crossed a full-scale footbridge in one day, and a visit to Silent Valley to learn about how engineers maintain Northern Ireland’s water supply using modern drone technology. Events also took place at SONI’s headquarters, Thales, Ulster University, the Innovation Factory, and Castlewellan Forest Park, where pupils discovered how engineers balance environmental protection with preserving historic buildings. There were also STEM nature walks, interactive experiments, and the chance to meet engineers like Fig O’Reilly and Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI.
John Jordan, Chair of the Engineers Ireland Northern Region Committee, said: “Engineers Week has proven to be a powerful way to inspire young people to think differently about engineering. It’s creative, it’s hands-on, and it brings the subject to life in a way that schoolchildren really connect with. One of our big focuses is encouraging more girls to explore engineering, and it’s been brilliant to see pupils meet women in leadership roles and come away excited about what’s possible.”
John Jordan continued: “It’s brilliant to see Engineers Week return for a third year. We’ve seen the impact it can have, from pupils asking amazing questions on site visits to young people saying it made them think differently about their future. This kind of engagement is essential if we want to nurture the next generation of engineers.”
Engineers Week is coordinated nationally as part of the Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme, which aims to inspire young people through STEM outreach. Last year tens of thousands of students across the island of Ireland took part in Engineers Week activities.
Laura Duggan, EINR committee member said: “We are delighted that the Northern Region is continuing its involvement in STEPS Engineers Week. The Northern Ireland programme has grown significantly in recent years and it’s thanks to the dedication of volunteers, local sponsors, and teachers that it continues to flourish. Initiatives like this help spark curiosity, raise aspirations, and create a stronger connection between education and the engineering profession.”
Engineers Week 2026 promises to be another inspiring and energising celebration of engineering talent, teamwork and innovation, and a vital opportunity to connect more young people in Northern Ireland with the exciting possibilities of a career in engineering.
To keep up to date, follow ‘Engineers Ireland Northern Region’ on LinkedIn.
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