Site of the week: www.iei.ie/steps

As studying various aspects of computer technology seems to be a logical step towards employment for many students, other academic courses have seen their numbers tail off over the past few years. Some science disciplines have tried to reverse this process by going online, and the Institution of Engineers of Ireland is doing the same.

STEPS (Science, Technology and Engineering Programme for Schools) is a public awareness and information programme aimed at addressing the shortfall in engineering recruitment. With this in mind, the homepage does look like it is squarely aimed at teenagers, though the acronym is a little unfortunate. It wasn't chosen in relation to the band Steps - but that's how many teens will see it. Steps may be popular now, but in about two years time noone will remember them. Hopefully the same won't be said about this site.

At the site's launch, Noel Treacy, Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce, said: "It is evident from the number of engineering and engineering-related companies in Ireland that engineering is one of the cornerstones upon which the Celtic Tiger stands." What is contained here does justice to his words.

The A-Z of Engineering is brilliantly researched. Even with my limited interest in the topic I found it fascinating. Q is taken up with a section on the Queens of Engineering (Marie Curie, Hedy Lamarr etc) which, together with the Girls Into Engineering area, may help to redress the gender imbalance in the subject.

The Profile of an Engineer idea is good, though showing a picture of him doing some engineering work rather than in his snowboarding gear might have been a better idea. The links section, which is often a let-down on sites such as this, is very good too.

The stated aim of the website is that students, teachers and parents will use it as a resource for doing projects in school, especially during Transition Year, and it will be a first port of call for young people when they are considering what career they might choose. They have achieved their aim. This is a very well-designed and helpful site, worth a visit by anyone remotely interested in engineering.