150 first year students from VEC colleges in Ballinode, Easky, Coola and Grange recently visited the Engineering Department at Institute of Technology, Sligo last week as part of ‘ Engineered, A Week of Wonder’
‘The young students had an opportunity to experience all the engineering options on offer at IT Sligo ranging from mechatronics to interior architecture ‘ said Louise O’Gorman, Open Learning Facilitator. ‘Engineering encompasses a wide range of activities and this was reflected in the busy schedule we set up. Students visited the robotics lab where they had hands on experience in automated manufacture. They worked with interior architecture lecturers looking at how to design an inside space. They undertook pneumatics experiments (working with compressed air) and took tours of the civil engineering laboratories getting to see how a water treatment plant works.’
The groups completed an engineering quiz as they worked through the different disciplines and prizes were awarded at the end of the day. Anna-Marie McGloin from Grange Post Primary School won a spot prize entering her into the Engineers Week draw with the opportunity to win a once in a lifetime family trip to the Space Expo, in Nordwijk, The Netherlands.
IT, Sligo lecturer Stephen Reid taking students from Coola through the world of wonder that is mechatronics…
John Power, Director General of Engineers Ireland said “Engineers Ireland encourages including school children, parents and teachers in Sligo to use Engineers Week as an opportunity to find out more about the engineering profession and see the varied work of engineers that they experience every day. Engineers are responsible for creativity, design and innovation and they will be the foundation block for Ireland’s future as we seek to rebuild the economy. Almost everyone knows an engineer and this week gives them an opportunity to find out more about the positive contribution that this family member or friend makes to society.”
For further information contact:
Louise O’Gorman,
Institute of Technology Sligo,
Ballinode Sligo,
Ireland
Phone: + 353 (0)71 91 55222
Fax: + 353 (0)71 91 60475
Email: info@nullitsligo.ie