Future Engineers Get Hands-On during Engineers Week 2025

Around 200 pupils from the Kilkeel and Castlewellan areas took part in an immersive educational experience at Silent Valley and Castlewellan Forest Park as part of #EngineersWeek25.

The visits, supported by Northern Ireland Water , OB Construction, Tetra Tech and the Mourne Heritage Trust, provided a unique opportunity for children to learn about both modern and historical engineering techniques, including water management, conservation engineering, and sustainability.

At Silent Valley, pupils explored the incredible engineering heritage behind the dams and infrastructure that have been supplying clean drinking water to County Down and most of Greater Belfast for nearly a century. The Mourne Shuttle Bus provided a guided tour between Silent Valley and Ben Crom dams, allowing children to compare different types of dam construction and understand the challenges involved in managing water supply.

The visit included an interactive drone demonstration from Environmental Techniques , showcasing how advanced engineering technology is being used to inspect and maintain critical infrastructure such as the Silent Valley and Binnian Tunnel water systems. By integrating cutting-edge drone solutions, engineers are reducing carbon emissions, costs, and environmental disruption, offering pupils an exciting look at how innovation is shaping the future of engineering.

To complement the engineering focus, the Mourne Heritage Trust, National Trust , and The Environmental Partnership led a nature walk where students explored the surrounding Mountain Park and participated in a hands-on experiment demonstrating soil and water conservation. These activities highlighted the important connection between engineering and environmental stewardship, showing how engineers help protect and sustain natural resources.

The pupils also had the chance to step inside NI Water’s Water Bus, gaining a deeper understanding of the engineering involved in water treatment, conservation, and sustainability. The session reinforced the crucial role that engineers play in delivering safe drinking water and ensuring sustainable water management for future generations.

At Castlewellan Forest Park, another group of pupils experienced the world of conservation engineering through a visit to the 18th-century Grange Courtyard buildings, a historic restoration project led by OB Construction in collaboration with Tetra Tech. The children were given an exclusive tour of the construction site, where engineers and contractors explained the complexities of preserving historical structures while maintaining their architectural integrity.

To bring the experience to life, pupils took part in interactive construction activities, learning basic building techniques used in conservation engineering. This hands-on approach allowed them to explore the skills required in engineering and construction, sparking curiosity about future career paths. The visit also included discussions led by representatives from the Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office, who spoke to pupils about the diverse career opportunities in engineering and science. Their insights encouraged the young participants to consider careers in engineering, technology, and environmental conservation, emphasising the real-world impact of their work.

Speaking about the visit, Laura Duggan , Engineers Ireland Northern Region Committee Member, said:

“Silent Valley and Castlewellan showcase two incredible aspects of engineering – modern infrastructure and historical conservation. Seeing young people engage with both is fantastic. Engineers Week 2025 is about showing pupils that engineering is diverse, exciting, and impactful, whether it’s protecting our water supply, restoring historic buildings, or developing cutting-edge technology. By giving children these hands-on experiences, we hope to inspire the engineers of tomorrow.”

Anna Killen, NI Water’s Education Officer added:

“NI Water is delighted to support Engineers Week 2025 and highlight the essential work that goes into maintaining and protecting Northern Ireland’s water supply. Silent Valley is one of our most significant engineering achievements, and it’s fantastic to see pupils engaging with its history and the innovative techniques being used today. We hope this visit has helped them appreciate how engineers play a vital role in shaping our environment and delivering essential services.”

The Engineers Week 2025 events at Silent Valley and Castlewellan successfully demonstrated how engineering connects past, present, and future, highlighting the impact of engineering, conservation, and innovation on our everyday lives. Through real-world experiences and industry engagement, the programme continues to inspire young minds and introduce them to the vast possibilities of engineering as a career.