Engineers Week 2026 has officially arrived in Northern Ireland, with school pupils from across the region set to take part in a packed programme of activities designed to introduce them to the world of engineering and the wide range of careers it offers.
Organised locally by Engineers Ireland Northern Region, the initiative which runs from 28 February to 6 March, is now in its third year here and continues to grow, bringing hands-on learning experiences directly to primary and post-primary school children. Throughout the week, pupils will meet engineers, visit real workplaces and see first-hand how engineering shapes everyday life.
Across the programme, pupils will visit sites including Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works, tour SONI’s electricity grid control room and hear from Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI, about managing one of Northern Ireland’s most critical pieces of infrastructure. They will also attend live science presentations from Scientific Sue, take part in interactive demonstrations delivered by LEGO Education with Getech, and visit Armagh Planetarium to learn how engineering underpins space and technology. Each activity is designed to show young people that engineering is practical, creative and accessible.
The week exists to help young people understand what engineering actually looks like beyond the classroom. Many pupils encounter subjects like maths without seeing their real-world application, and Engineers Week aims to bridge that gap by connecting learning to real careers and real people working in the industry.
John Jordan, Chair of Engineers Ireland Northern Region, said: “Engineers Week 2026 is about helping young people see what engineering really is and the opportunities it can open up for them. When pupils meet engineers and visit real workplaces, the subject suddenly makes sense and becomes something they can imagine themselves doing in the future. I also want to thank our volunteer committee who give a huge amount of their own time to organise the programme, without their effort and commitment this simply would not happen.”
Gerry Connelly from Amey Roads NI, a sponsor of Engineers Week 2026, added: “As an organisation involved in delivering and maintaining vital infrastructure, we know how important it is to inspire the next generation to consider careers in engineering. Supporting Engineers Week allows us to show young people the impact engineers have on everyday life and helps build awareness of the skills our industry will need in the future.”
Engineers Week continues to highlight the importance of engineering education and the role it plays in society – from water and energy systems to transport, technology and the environment – while encouraging pupils to think differently about their school subjects.
Engineers Ireland Northern Region extended thanks to all supporters who have helped make the week possible. John continued: “Thank you to all our supporters including SONI, Thales, Tetra Tech, Ulster University, Amey Roads NI, Environmental Techniques, Ramboll, Dawson Wam and many more.”