ALMOST 800 primary and post-primary students from schools across Northern Ireland attended an event to celebrate the achievements of young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The Big Bang at Lagan College, organised by Sentinus and supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), was one of a number taking place as part of the Big Bang Near Me programme in Northern Ireland.
Big Bang is a national programme designed to engage and inspire young people aged 7-19 in STEM project work, to highlight how science and engineering offer hugely rewarding career opportunities.
It is believed that with Belfast’s growing reputation as number one in Europe for new software development projects, maximising the potential of young people and the wider population through the effective development of skills will prove a fundamental building block for a successful economy in Northern Ireland.
Over the past five months participating schools have been working on a number of programmes linking with engineers and ambassadors from both industry and academia, and the projects on display represented the Smart Energy, Engineering Futures and ICE Build a Bridge programmes.
Chair of Sentinus Jim Stewart CBE, one of the guest speakers on the day, said: “We are delighted that Lagan College agreed to host this event in this wonderful building and without their support this event would not have been possible.
“At a time when the demand for STEM skills and qualifications in the Northern Ireland economy has never been greater, and predicted to grow significantly, it is imperative that we continue to encourage young people to study the STEM subjects and consider careers in the sector.”