Engineers Week Sparks Curiosity: Inspiring North Belfast's Next Innovators

Engineers Week 2026 has officially kicked off across Northern Ireland, bringing a fantastic opportunity for school pupils from North Belfast and beyond to explore the exciting world of engineering! Organised locally by Engineers Ireland Northern Region, this annual initiative runs from February 28th to March 6th and is now in its third successful year, inspiring a new generation of innovators.

This week is packed with hands-on learning experiences designed to show primary and post-primary school children just how practical, creative, and accessible engineering can be. Young people will have the chance to meet real engineers, visit impressive workplaces, and witness first-hand how engineering shapes our daily lives – from the infrastructure that keeps our electricity running to the systems that manage our water.

Highlights of the week include tours of sites like Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works and SONI’s electricity grid control room. Pupils will also hear directly from experts like Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI, learning about managing critical infrastructure. For those who love a bit of spectacle, Scientific Sue will deliver live science presentations, while LEGO Education with Getech will host interactive demonstrations. There’s even a trip to Armagh Planetarium to discover how engineering is vital to space exploration and technology.

The core aim of Engineers Week is to bridge the gap between classroom subjects like maths and science and their real-world applications. John Jordan, Chair of Engineers Ireland Northern Region, highlighted this, stating, “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.” He also extended a huge thank you to the dedicated volunteer committee whose efforts make the programme possible.

Gerry Connelly from Amey Roads NI, one of the week's sponsors, echoed this sentiment: “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 underscore the vital role of engineering in society – from sustainable water and energy systems to cutting-edge transport, technology, and environmental solutions. It encourages pupils to think differently about their school subjects and consider a future in this dynamic field. Engineers Ireland Northern Region expressed gratitude to all supporters, including SONI, Thales, Tetra Tech, Ulster University, Amey Roads NI, Environmental Techniques, Ramboll, and Dawson Wam, for their invaluable contribution to making this inspiring week a reality.