STEPS team: Sylvia Leatham

Marketing team: Kelley Cousins

AGENDA • Overview – what/why, stats, support & resources

• PR overview

• 2014 case studies

• Q&A

• Communication & event planning tips

• Networking

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

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

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

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.

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

AVAILABLE RESOURCESWWW.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

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

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

PR OVERVIEW Communications Mix:

• Sate of Ireland report • Online survey• Support events• Media relations • Advertising• Social media

PR OVERVIEW

How you can help

• Stay in touch• Keep us in mind • Think media• Profiling opportunities• Event opportunities

#engweek15

#engineeringselfie

CASE STUDIES

• IBM - Frances Humphreys

• Abbott – Sinéad Hickey

• South Dublin County Council – Caitríona Lambert

• National Transport Authority (preview) – Claire Cummins

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

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!