Slides from the Engineers Week 2015 event organiser meet-up in Engineers Ireland on 1st December.

1. STEPS team: Sylvia Leatham
Marketing team: Kelley Cousins

2. AGENDA
• Overview – what/why, stats, support & resources
• PR overview
• 2014 case studies
• Q&A
• Communication & event planning tips
• Networking

3. WHAT IS ENGINEERS WEEK?
Annual celebration of engineering
Aims
• celebrate & raise awareness of the engineering profession
• grow awareness of engineers in the community
• showcase engineering as exciting & diverse career for students
Target audiences
• students (primary, second level & third level)
• teachers, parents, guidance counsellors
• general public

4. WHY GET INVOLVED?
Companies & third-level
institutes
- Enhance reputation
- Support CSR
Volunteer
engineers
- Communication
skills
- CPD credits
Outreach &
government
- Boost image of
engineers
- Invest in future
pipeline

6. SURVEY RESULTS
Teacher Survey
Do you feel your students were more informed about science, engineering or
maths after Engineers Week? 100% said Yes.
“Huge learning for all. Organisation and delivery just excellent. Students loved it
and I believe the seeds of future engineers/scientists are sown at these events.”
– Teacher comment
Student survey – primary
Did you enjoy this event? 99% said Yes
Did you learn anything new today? 92% said Yes
Student survey – second-level
“Very interesting and informative; the speaker was brilliant.” – Student comment

7. 2015 THEME
• Engineering impacts all our lives - showcase positive impact of engineering
on your community.
• Diversity of discipline / people
• Engineering as a career open & accessible to all interested students.

8. HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Companies / outreach Individual engineers
Host an event, e.g.
• Company tour / exhibition / treasure
hunt
• Workshop / group activity / quiz
• Engineer talks
• Activities for adults / parent & child?
Take part / help run events
Upload your event to engineersweek.ie
Coordinate school/library visits Visit local schools or libraries
Tweet your activity - #engweek15 Tweet your activity - #engweek15 or
#engineeringselfie
Take photos / video – get permission first
Evaluate your event

9. AVAILABLE RESOURCES
WWW.ENGINEERSWEEK.IE
 Activity resources - workshop ideas, quizzes & trails, presentations
 Event resources – posters, certs, stickers, evaluation forms, photo
consent forms, press release template
 Event advertising - links with schools nationwide & other audiences
 Merchandise - ** List your event/activity by 19th January ** - & prizes
 Event advice & support - event planning guide, communications tips
 National media campaign

10. SCHOOL VISITS
Visit schools you already have links with (but let us know)
OR
Check out listings on engineersweek.ie
• Search list of requests from teachers
• Contact school direct to make arrangements (let us
know when set up)
• Use volunteer resources on steps.ie/volunteer

11. PR OVERVIEW
Key messages for media
Primary message:
• Choose engineering!
• It is a career that offers excitement, success, flexibility, diversity, travel
Secondary messages:
• Skills shortage i.e. lots of employment opportunities
• Need for more women in engineering

12. PR OVERVIEW
Communications Mix:
• Sate of Ireland report
• Online survey
• Support events
• Media relations
• Advertising
• Social media

13. PR OVERVIEW
How you can help
• Stay in touch
• Keep us in mind
• Think media
• Profiling opportunities
• Event opportunities
#engweek15
#engineeringselfie

14. CASE STUDIES
• IBM- Frances Humphreys
• Abbott – Sinéad Hickey
• South Dublin County Council – Caitríona Lambert
• National Transport Authority (preview) – Claire Cummins

15. EVENT PLANNING TIPS
• Plan ahead
• Recruit key personnel
• Decide target audience & plan appropriately
• Plan logistics
• Read Child Protection policy on steps.ie
• Anticipate challenges; double-check details
• Take care of volunteers

16. COMMUNICATION TIPS
• Invite questions
• Ask questions
• Be jargon-free
• Tell a story/make it personal
• Relate topic to the real world
• Use visuals or metaphors
• Dress casually if possible
• Be yourself
• Enjoy!