Kate Coyne, from Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan; Caoimhe Gavin, St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, and Maja Gogic, Mullingar Community College, receiving the inaugural Junior Certificate Engineering Recognition Award.

Girls urged to take up engineering at Athlone event

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Three Westmeath students were hailed for their outstanding scores in engineering as part of an event aimed at enticing more females to take up the subject at third level.

Kate Coyne from Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan, Caoimhe Gavin from St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Rochfortbridge, and Maja Gogic from Mullingar Community College all received the inaugural Junior Certificate Engineering Recognition Award, sponsored by Technological University of the Shannon, at the university’s Athlone campus on Friday, April 4.

This award celebrates their outstanding achievement in securing a Distinction, the highest possible grade (90% or higher), in Junior Cycle Engineering and was part of the Women in Engineering Event, hosted by the Department of Polymer and Mechanical Engineering, TUS.

Students attending the Women in Engineering Event, hosted by the Department of Polymer and Mechanical Engineering, TUS.

Students heard what employers require from engineers in today's workplace.

Addressing the students, Breda Lynch, Head of Department of Polymer and Mechanical Engineering, TUS, said: "While women in engineering are in the minority, those who choose to study it generally do exceptionally well, and this together with their strong communication skills are highly sought after by employers.”

A total of 40 fifth and sixth year students, all considering engineering as a college choice, attended the event which aimed to inspire female students to explore the exciting world of engineering.

The event highlighted the opportunities available in engineering and showcased the incredible women making strides in this field, and explored why fewer females choose traditionally male-dominated subjects in school.

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