Over 120 students from across the region attended the Defence Forces Engineering Experience at SETU's Kilkenny Road campus as part of Engineers Week 2026.
The event offered students a rare opportunity to step inside the world of Defence Forces engineering, technology, and innovation.
The morning featured high‑impact presentations from multiple branches of the Defence Forces, including the Engineer Corps, Communications and Information Services (CIS) Corps, the Ordnance Corps, and the Air Corps. Students gained first‑hand insights into real missions, real engineering challenges, and the diverse career pathways available within Defence Forces operations.
"We were delighted to welcome members of the Irish Defence Forces to our campus. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to gain a greater understanding of the vast work carried out by the DF. At SETU, we have a longstanding partnership with Oghlaigh na hEireann, one that we value immensely.
Our project 'Educational Pathways for Defence Forces Personnel' represents ongoing collaboration between the University and the DF, and events like this show how our work together enhances the SETU community."
Aisling Hutchinson SETU Academic Partnership Project Lead
Students also had the opportunity to explore an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) vehicle and robot, rigor gear and a showcase of student-led projects produced by Defence Forces students.
Attendees also engaged directly with DF students currently studying at SETU, learning about the technology, engineering, skills and processes behind their work. It was a very successful event and enjoyed by all.