The Junior Engineer Development Initiative (JEDI) project is based on the latest research in cognitive and social psychology, alongside best practices in educational intervention. This training programme focuses on developing children’s engineering skills, their understanding of the attributes needed to be an engineer, and debunking stereotype myths relating to engineering. Most of the programme is delivered by classroom teachers with a key highlight session when each classroom will be visited by a practicing engineer. This engineer will be trained by our team to run a classroom session and discuss their experiences. This partnership between researchers, teachers and engineers is pivotal to the success of the project.
Information for Engineers
We are recruiting engineering organisations from across the Republic of Ireland, i.e., there are no geographical restrictions. Furthermore, we welcome interest from all engineering organisations irrespective of engineering discipline (e.g., civil, software, mechanical, environmental etc.). We endeavour to ensure that the JEDI programme will include representation from the many existing sub-disciplines of engineering active in Ireland.
If you choose to participate, we will ask your organisation for the following in kind support. No direct financial support will be asked from your organisation.
1
Nominate three members of engineering staff to support our project. We will provide guidance on how best to select these staff members/volunteers. Each volunteer will be asked to dedicate three working days to our project between September 1st 2025 and April 30th 2026. No financial support will be provided to organisations to cover this work time.
2
Provide travel expenses to your nominated staff, to attend one training session at University College Dublin.
3
Provide travel expenses to your nominated staff, to visit two schools. These schools will not be further than 50km from your organisation.
JEDI will launch in September 2025 and all participating engineers will attend a training day at University College Dublin in early September. School visits by engineers will happen across two waves in either October-November 2025 or February-March 2026.
2025
2026
For engineers, the JEDI programme will provide training in engineering outreach and the chance to meaningfully engage in positive outreach opportunities with primary school children. This is an opportunity to join industry professionals from other leading engineering organisations, to bring about positive change in perceptions of engineering in Ireland.
For participating children, we anticipate that the JEDI programme will offer positive experiences of engaging in engineering activities and identity while simultaneously reducing misconceptions of engineering. By extension, this may encourage more children, across diverse backgrounds, to pursue engineering careers.
To receive more information about the project and register your interest, please email Dr. Jennifer Keenahan at jennifer.keenahan@ucd.ie You will then be asked to provide a letter of support on letterhead paper from your organisation.