Transition Year students from Carndonagh Community School and Moville Community College participated in the prestigious STEPS programme at Trinity College Dublin from 3rd – 6th March 2025.
This experience was made possible by Spraoi agus Spórt’s Digital Creative Lab through the ESB- Energy for Generations Fund sponsored Skills for STEM programme, an initiative to inspire young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
The participating students were TJ McNally, Hannah McLaughlin, Aoibhinn McDermott, Roan McDermott, and Fergal Diver Hall.
TY Students Roan McDermott, Fergal Diver Haul, TJ McNally, Hannah McLaughlin, and Aoibhinn McDermott
The STEPS programme introduces Transition Year students to university-level engineering through hands-on workshops, expert-led talks, and valuable career insights. The trip allowed students to immerse themselves in real-world engineering challenges alongside academics and industry professionals.
Throughout the week, students attended interactive workshops and lectures on biomedical imaging, MRI technology, acoustics and vibration, environmental engineering, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence in power grid defence. A highlight was a visit to the Rediscovery Centre, where students explored sustainability and circular economy principles in engineering.
Hannah McLaughlin from Moville Community College said the trip ‘was an eye-opening opportunity to see the vast number of options there is in the engineering fields’.
Carndonagh Community School student Aoibheann Mc Dermott added “Trinity College Dublin was extremely enjoyable, it helped me gain an understanding of the industry and how to realistically turn ideas into reality.”
Trip organiser Deirdre McGrory, Creative Youth Engagement Coordinator, said ‘Engineering Week was an excellent opportunity for interested students to inform themselves about the range of engineering subjects and paths to rewarding careers. We hope that this trip has inspired our students to consider a future in this important industry.’
The Skills for STEM project at Spraoi agus Spórt provides free activities to spark interest in STEM while offering career guidance, including information on entry requirements, alternative pathways, and networking opportunities. As part of this initiative, local STEM professionals will share their career journeys, highlighting different routes into engineering, medicine, and other knowledge-based careers.
Áine Kelly, Digital Creative Lab Coordinator, said ‘The Digital Creative Lab has been increasing knowledge and exposure to STEM through Engineering Week for the last number of years. This year’s opportunity for the five students built on the connections made during the Gríosadh Science Festival, organised by Spraoi agus Spórt in partnership with Research Ireland, in November 2024.’
With a global shortage of engineers, initiatives like this ensure that young people are given the tools and encouragement to explore STEM careers and contribute to solving future global challenges.
If you have Transition Year Students with an interest in STEM the Digital Creative Lab team are organising an event on 28th April 9am-12pm in Carndonagh Community School. Contact Deirdre McGrory, Creative Youth Engagement Coordinator for more information deirdre@spraoiagussport.ie.
