A recent event, organized by Explore Engineering, a consortium featuring the University of Limerick, shed light on the career journeys of young women professionals in the field of engineering. The Inspire Women in Engineering Event 2023 unfolded at the University Concert Hall last Friday.
Explore Engineering, consisting of more than 50 companies in the mid-west region and supported by key educational institutions like the University of Limerick, the Technological University of the Shannon, and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, orchestrated the event. The initiative aims to enhance the quality and quantity of engineering talent in Ireland.
The event, which drew the participation of 800 students in third, fourth, and fifth-year classes from local secondary schools, featured a panel discussion with six early-career engineers employed in diverse sectors. The panelists included professionals such as Wiktoria Bartkowiak, a Product Engineer at Microchip; Mary O’Riordan, a Graduate Engineer at DePuy Synthes; Jessica Winters, a Graduate Engineer at Modular Automation; Georgette Lumbe, an Associate Quality Assurance Specialist at Transact Campus; Julie Tiernan, a Technical Director at Punch Consulting Engineers; and Catherine Walsh, an MAMF Apprentice at Jansen Pharma.
Professor Ann Ledwith, Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at UL and Chair of the Explore Engineering Steering Committee, expressed the significance of the event, emphasizing that although some of the most exciting jobs today are in engineering and technology, only 12 percent of engineers in Ireland are female. She highlighted the need to address this gender imbalance and encourage more girls to pursue engineering careers.
The Inspire event aimed to bridge this gap by bringing together a panel of six female engineers to engage with second-level students. The speakers shared their inspirations, career paths, and reasons for their passion for engineering. A question-and-answer session followed the presentations, allowing students to interact with the panelists.
Looking ahead, the consortium’s focus now shifts to the Explore Engineering Showcase, scheduled to take place at Shannon Airport on March 7, 2024, from 5-9 pm. This trade show-style event is designed to provide young people with insights into various engineering fields in a relaxed setting.
