Visitors to this year’s National Ploughing Championships (Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly; September 16th-18th) are in for an exciting and hands-on experience at the Engineers Ireland stand (Block 3 Row 9 Stand 205), where the world of engineering will come to life through interactive attractions, immersive simulations and inspiring showcases. Designed to spark curiosity and ignite ambition, the stand is a must-see for families, students, and educators alike.
Diverse global careers
Engineering is a gateway to some of the most exciting and diverse careers in the world. Engineers are driving innovations across energy, technology, healthcare, housing, and transport, delivering solutions for people and the planet. An engineering education equips graduates with highly transferable skills – problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation – ensuring that engineers succeed, not only in traditional engineering roles, but also in research, academia, financial services, science, strategic management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With Engineers Ireland-accredited qualifications recognised internationally through international accords and agreements, graduates can enjoy global opportunities and mobility.
Engineering is vital to the growth of Ireland’s economy, yet the profession faces both a skills and diversity challenge. Several engineering roles are already listed on the national Critical Skills Occupations List, and over the next decade Ireland will need over 22,300 additional engineers to meet urgent demands in areas like energy, infrastructure, and housing. In short, engineering graduates are not just highly employable, they are essential.
Beyond job security, engineering offers financial rewards. Did you know that graduate engineers can expect an average starting salary of €39,000 rising to around €65,000 with 11-15 years of experience?
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Engineering is more than a career; it is a calling to shape a better world. It provides purpose, impact, and limitless opportunities for growth. For young people, it is one of the smartest, most sustainable choices they can make. For parents, supporting a child’s journey into engineering means nurturing curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
So why not bring them to the Engineers Ireland stand (Block 3 Row 9 Stand 205), at the National Ploughing Championships from Tuesday September 16th to Thursday September 18th, in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly?
Through engaging, fun, and educational experiences, Engineers Ireland will showcase the many disciplines of engineering and highlight the exciting opportunities they can open. Whether you are a curious child, a secondary school student exploring career paths, or a parent or teacher looking for inspiration, there is something for everyone.
Top attractions
Formula 1 car simulator
Feel the adrenaline rush of Formula 1 racing in a full-size simulator. Test your speed against the clock, compete for leaderboard glory and discover the engineering brilliance behind mechanical, electrical, and aerodynamics engineering.
Virtual reality welder
Step into a virtual workshop and try your hand at welding with a state-of-the-art VR simulator. Complete with realistic sounds and feedback, this attraction offers a fun challenge while showcasing the precision and skill behind mechanical engineering.
The Space Store Experience
Run by a former NASA engineer, this experience lets you take a spacewalk simulation using virtual reality headsets, pose for photos in replica space suits or take part in a satellite treasure hunt. It’s a stellar opportunity to explore aerospace, artificial intelligence, and a range of engineering disciplines.
Biomedical engineering showcase
Discover biomedical innovation up close with 3D models of an artificial heart and a spine. Practise inserting a guidewire into the 3D life-size model heart or examine a bulging disc inside and out – showcasing the lifechanging impact of biomedical engineering.
Collaborative Robot
Challenge the robot in a game of noughts and crosses in a fun, interactive display. This attraction introduces visitors to the fascinating world of robotics and automation.
STEPS education outreach programme
Meet the team behind Ireland’s only national schools outreach programme dedicated to inspiring future engineers. Pick up resources, career guides, giveaways, and expert advice to explore the many pathways into engineering.
Competitions, prizes and giveaways
Join our daily competitions with exciting prizes, and take home lots of Engineers Ireland merchandise, including bucket hats, t-shirts, bags and more.
Visit us and be inspired
Whether you’re racing in an F1 car, walking in space, playing with a robot or welding in VR, the Engineers Ireland stand (Block 3 Row 9 Stand 205) is where engineering comes alive. Don’t miss your chance to meet real engineers and discover how engineering shapes the world around us.
About Engineers Ireland
With over 30,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession.
For more information see engineersireland.ie
