ROD's Rachel Whent, Aidan Kennedy and Clodagh Rea pictured presenting to pupils in St. Brigid's Girls School in Cabinteely, Dublin.
During Engineers Week 2026, our interns and graduate engineers shared their passion for engineering with children in four south Dublin primary schools: St. Raphaela’s National School in Stillorgan, Muslim National School in Clonskeagh, Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna in Knocklyon, and St. Brigid’s Girls School in Cabinteely.
The pupils we met were all eager to learn, so we began by explaining what engineering is, why we enjoy what we do, the challenges involved in our day‑to‑day work, and the satisfaction that comes from designing solutions that make a real difference in communities and society. We described our respective career journeys, showing the pupils that there isn’t just one type of engineer or one route into the profession, and discussed the subjects that sparked our interest in engineering.
After our presentation, it was time for the children to become engineers themselves. Working in small groups, the pupils were set a challenge: design and build a working windmill using everyday materials such as paper cups, paper plates, straws and tape. Before they got started, we encouraged them to think about planning, teamwork and testing - key skills at the heart of every engineering project.
The classrooms quickly filled with conversation, creativity and concentration. Ideas were sketched out and designs took shape. Once the builds were complete, each windmill was tested using a hairdryer to show how it would spin. This part proved a real highlight, with lots of excitement as the pupils watched their designs work or, in some cases, get redesigned on the spot.
After our visit to St. Brigid’s, teachers Aoife Lehane and Aoife Cantrell sent us a thank-you note in which they wrote: “The students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and found it both interesting and inspiring. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn more about engineering and to hear directly from professionals working in the field. Your enthusiasm and willingness to share your knowledge made a very positive impression on the students. Experiences like this make a real difference in helping students connect what they learn in the classroom with the wider world.”
Engineers Week was every bit as rewarding for our interns and graduate engineers as it was for the pupils. Engaging with such curious, enthusiastic children reminded us of how important role models are at an early age. If even a small number of the children we met now see engineering as something they might like to explore in the future, then this year’s Engineers Week was a success.
