QUB parents’ evening draws over 1,000 to inspire budding engineers

More than 1,000 school children and their parents converged on Queen’s University Belfast last week to see if they have what it takes to be the engineers of tomorrow.

Engineering Parents’ Evening, run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences faculty, saw potential students aged from 15 to 18 get involved with some of the work carried out in the university with the aim of inspiring them to study an engineering degree.

They got to see the De Lorean car which was converted to run on electricity by Queen’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering department; the race car which has been built by the team of mechanical engineering students; they talked to companies which work with the faculty and met both students and academics at a fun packed evening.

The idea of the evening is to inspire future engineers and showcase each engineering discipline side by side. By engaging school children at a relatively young age, it’s hoped they’ll choose to study A-Level Mathematics and Science/Technology and benefit from one of the degrees at Queen's with the career prospects they provide. 

Andrew Norton, Business Development Manager at Queens, said:

“It’s wonderful to see so many parents and their children taking part in an evening celebrating one of our most exciting degree options. Engineering is such an important and engaging discipline, and we’re thrilled to have so many potential students here tonight.”

Dean of Education Professor Ian Williams said: 

“Engineering is key to shaping the future of our world and requires creative thinkers and fresh ideas constantly. It is also a central pillar in driving both the Northern Ireland and global economies and exemplifies the work we’re doing in the Engineering and Physical Sciences faculty to play our part in produce a skilled workforce and to support industry. 

“The children and their families here tonight will have gained an idea of what their future careers can look like with an engineering degree from Queen’s; anything they want it to be.”

The event covered the array of engineering courses available at Queens including Audio Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Civil, Structural and Environment Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Product Design Engineering; Software and Electronic Systems Engineering.

Companies attending included: Retinize, RPS, McLaughlin and Harvey, Design ID, Keystone, NIE, Sensata, Thales, Rockwell Collins, Hyster-Yale, Almac, Seagate, Kingspan, Alexion and

Moy Park.