Inspiring the next generation of engineers

Engineers Ireland has been celebrating Engineers Week during the first week of March as part of their STEPS programme, which aims to inspire a new generation to explore careers in engineering. Engineering plays a crucial role in shaping our world, from building essential infrastructure to developing sustainable solutions for the future.

At CAW, our engineers collaborate across multiple disciplines to design, build, operate, and maintain water and wastewater treatment systems, as well as renewable energy processes. These critical services support the communities we operate in across Ireland, ensuring clean water supply, environmental protection, and innovative resource recovery. While a career in the water industry might not be a childhood dream for most, our site tours and student placements offer a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting challenges engineers tackle every day. By opening our doors, we hope to inspire future generations to consider careers in an industry that blends environmental impact, cutting-edge technology, and engineering expertise.

Bringing Engineering to Life

To give students a real-world glimpse into the sector, we regularly host pre-arranged site tours for all age groups, from school students to university undergraduates.

Our internship and placement programmes also provide hands-on experience for those looking to explore a career in water and wastewater engineering.

One of the most engaging experiences we offer takes place at Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Works—one of the largest treatment plants in Europe—where 40% of the Republic of Ireland’s wastewater is processed. Here, students gain a fascinating insight into the processes involved in treating water, recovering valuable resources, and generating energy from waste.

Making a Difference in the Community

Beyond education, these tours also raise awareness about water conservation and sustainability. By showcasing the complex treatment processes, we help visitors appreciate the value of water and encourage them to adopt responsible habits—whether it’s using water more efficiently or being mindful of what they flush down the drain.

We are keen to inspire the next generation to see water engineering as a diverse, dynamic, and rewarding career path. For students at college or university, our tours offer an authentic insight into life in the industry and the real impact they can have on people and the planet.

The Ringsend WwTP Experience

School and college tours can we arranged on request and each tour is tailored to the audience, ensuring the content is engaging and accessible. A typical visit includes:

• A brief history of sewage and water treatment in Ireland.
• An overview of the capabilities of Ringsend WwTP and its role in serving the capital.
• A Health and Safety briefing and introduction to PPE before heading out on a guided site tour.
• A visit to the site’s highest vantage point (weather permitting) to provide a bird’s-eye view of the facility and its key treatment areas.
• A step-by-step walkthrough of the wastewater treatment and sludge processing stages, with live demonstrations to show key processes in action.

Tour Highlights

Our visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and importance of wastewater treatment. Some of the standout moments include:

Scale and Scope: Many are amazed by the size of the plant and the sheer volume of water treated daily, highlighting the hidden infrastructure behind everyday life.

Engaging Demonstrations: Watching the settlement process in action, where mixed liquor (pre-treated water) in a jar separates over time. This always fascinates students.

Sustainable Innovation: A highlight for many is learning that Ringsend WwTP generates 50% of its own energy through anaerobic digestion. We explain this process by comparing the digesters to giant stomachs that “digest” organic material, producing biogas that is converted into energy.

A Fresh Perspective

Clionadh Williams, our HSEQ Manager, has led numerous site tours and shared her thoughts on the experience:

“I am always surprised by the variety of new questions we get asked on the tours. Being asked to think about things from a fresh perspective is always refreshing – and this fresh new perspective from a new generation is what will help the industry to continue to innovate and evolve.”

As Engineers Week 2025 comes to a close, throught the 2025 and beyond we hope to continue to inspire more young minds to explore careers in engineering and sustainability through our tours and student placements. If we’ve piqued your interest in a career in the water industry or engineering, why not read CAW Career Chronicles – Our team share their stories of progression.