Insights from the Junior Engineering Development Initiative’s (JEDI) Professional Development Day for Engineers

On the 3rd of October 2025, we welcomed 20 Engineers to UCD for their Professional Learning Development Day as part of their involvement in the JEDI project. Storm Amy also made a visit to UCD campus, but this did not dampen the spirits of the research team or engineers, with the day being enjoyable and productive overall. Engineers came from across the country, and from 7 different engineering companies, creating a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate as a group. 

The morning began with registration in the UCD Club Lobby, followed by a breakfast and coffee/tea reception in the function room. This was a great chance for the engineers to mingle and get to know one another before diving into a full day of learning and activities. Dr Jennifer Keenahan, JEDI co-PI, officially opened the session with a warm welcome and overview of the day’s agenda. Following this, Industry Learning and Development Advisor, Aisling Gilligan presented some key information on ways of working and facilitated a speed networking session amongst the group. Aisling also introduced the first survey of the day, where the engineers completed some key questions and provided data for the JEDI research project. The activities continued into the morning, with Research Assistant Eimear Quinn introducing a creative drawing task, followed by insights into the research and theoretical background to the JEDI project. Alexandra Broderick Khan, JEDI’s Research Manager, then presented a key overview and “next steps” of the JEDI project, before the group paused for the first coffee break of the day. 

Throughout the morning, each engineer completed the in-person section of their Garda Vetting application with UCD Garda Vetting Staff in a dedicated room nearby the function. 

Following refreshments, Dr Keenahan introduced the content of the JEDI project and the engineers themselves practiced what the children will be doing in classrooms all over the country. With these practical activities the engineers were also able to see the actual JEDI kits that are being sent to schools across the country, to gain a better insight into the materials the children will have. These activities brought us up to a well-earned lunch break, with refreshments provided by the UCD Club Restaurant. The last part of the day focused on communication and classroom engagement skills. Aisling Gilligan led a session on providing feedback, speaking with children, classroom management, complete with practical exercises. After a final coffee break, Dr Keenahan wrapped up the day with key information about the engineers’ school visits, practical exercises, a final overview, the second research survey of the day, and a last chance for questions. 

Throughout the day, Research Assistant Hannah O’Gorman and CDL lab member and PhD candidate Shannon Rosbotham were on hand to ensure the smooth running of events, from photography to registration desk duty, and everything in between.

The engineers present at the Professional Development Day were curious and engaged throughout, lending to a productive and vibrant learning environment. Supported by the practical activities, ample coffee and refreshment breaks, and collaborative environment, the engineers had an excellent opportunity to network with one another throughout the day. We hope that every engineer left the day with a well-rounded idea of engineering outreach and the JEDI project, and thank every engineer for their time and attention.

The engineers also took the opportunity to document the day by getting some photographs beside our JEDI poster pull-ups. To further remember the day, each engineer received a complimentary JEDI mug and notebook to take home with them. Further, they received an individual training manual with all relevant information of their training and school visit, which they can refer back to for a refresh of content when needed. 

After weeks of preparation, it was a fantastic experience and incredibly rewarding to see the day come to life. Overall, the JEDI Engineer Professional Development Day was successful and enjoyable for all, and provided useful insight into Professional Development Day delivery. We wish the engineers the best of luck in their classroom outreach visits!