Engineers Week 2026: Inspiring North Belfast's Next Generation of Innovators

Engineers Week is set to make an exciting return to Northern Ireland, offering a fantastic opportunity for young people across the region, including those in North Belfast, to dive into the dynamic world of engineering. Organised by Engineers Ireland Northern Region (EINR), this inspiring initiative will run from Saturday 28 February to Friday 6 March 2026. Now in its third year, Engineers Week continues to grow, aiming to connect thousands of students with the possibilities that a career in engineering holds.

At its heart, Engineers Week is a vibrant celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). It's specifically designed to make engineering more visible, accessible, and thrilling for the next generation of problem-solvers. Throughout the week, there will be live events daily in different parts of Northern Ireland, tailored for students aged 5 to 14 across Key Stages 1, 2, and 3. These events offer hands-on experiences, engaging school visits, insightful site tours, and the chance to meet inspiring engineering role models. The ultimate goal is to highlight the real-world relevance of engineering and showcase the diverse career paths available within the sector.

The impact of Engineers Week has been significant, quickly becoming a highlight for both schools and engineers alike. In 2025, over 2,000 pupils actively participated in events across the region. These ranged from fascinating infrastructure tours and conservation site visits to engaging construction workshops. Young attendees had the invaluable opportunity to meet professional engineers, tackle creative challenges, and explore how innovation, sustainability, and teamwork are crucial in solving real-world problems.

Last year's highlights included the impressive 'Big Bridge' project, where schoolchildren successfully built and crossed a full-scale footbridge in just one day. Another memorable experience was a visit to Silent Valley, where pupils learned how engineers maintain Northern Ireland's vital water supply using cutting-edge modern drone technology. Events also took place at key locations such as SONI's headquarters, Thales, Ulster University, the Innovation Factory, and Castlewellan Forest Park, allowing pupils to discover how engineers balance environmental protection with the preservation of historic buildings. Interactive STEM nature walks and experiments provided further engagement, with students meeting engineers like Fig O’Reilly and Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI.

John Jordan, Chair of the Engineers Ireland Northern Region Committee, shared his enthusiasm: "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." He added, "This kind of engagement is essential if we want to nurture the next generation of engineers." Laura Duggan, another EINR committee member, echoed this sentiment, praising the dedication of volunteers, local sponsors, and teachers for the programme's growth and its ability to "spark curiosity, raise aspirations, and create a stronger connection between education and the engineering profession."

Engineers Week 2026 promises to be another inspiring celebration of engineering talent, teamwork, and innovation. It represents a vital chance to connect more young people in Northern Ireland with the exciting and diverse possibilities of a career in engineering. For those interested in keeping up to date with the programme and its events, you can follow 'Engineers Ireland Northern Region' on LinkedIn.