National Engineers Week is celebrated from the third Sunday of February until the fourth Saturday of the same month. This year, it takes place from February 15 to 21. It’s a great opportunity to recognize and appreciate everything that they do for our society. Engineering is all around us, from the roads and bridges we travel on, to the cars and planes we use to ride around. Though often unseen, the cleverness of engineering makes our lives easier and safer in hundreds of different ways. Appreciate an engineer today or encourage an aspiring engineer around you to pursue their dreams!
History of National Engineers Week
National Engineers week has strived to honor engineers for many years, and with good reason. The world would be a very different place if it weren’t for engineers’ extraordinary ability to think outside the box.
The National Society of Professional Engineers initiated Engineers Week in 1951 to highlight the important role engineers play in our society, and it has been celebrated every year since. The week was chosen to coincide with the birthday of former president George Washington. Why is that, you ask? Because of his surveying work, in particular, he’s hailed as the first engineer in the United States of America. A surveyor and military commander during the French and Indian Wars, Washington utilized his map-making and surveying skills to his advantage as a farmer and businessman long before he was elected president. Washington is also credited with the invention of the drill plow — the plow was equipped with a rotating barrel that was used to disperse seeds.
President Washington was also a staunch supporter of engineering and scientific advancement during his administration. Engineers from engineering colleges and various industries take advantage of the week to promote and demonstrate their projects and achievements. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) will be emphasized in collaboration with local schools to raise awareness of the value of pursuing an education in these fields.
National Engineers Week timeline
The earliest engineers are able to measure the size of stones for building structures.
Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press and revolutionizes the printing industry as printing becomes faster and cheaper.
James Watt builds the steam engine, along with which the principles of electrical conduction are established.
As electricity is generated, modern science emerges.
The Wright Brothers make the historical breakthrough of achieving the first successful powered flight.
Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web.
The production of the first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Renault Kangoo, takes place.
The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs in engineering are “projected to grow 4.0 percent from 2014 to 2024.”
National Engineers Week FAQs
Does engineering pay well?
Among all academic specialties, engineering graduates start with the highest salaries.
What classes can I take to become an engineer?
Calculus and physics are especially important building blocks in engineering education. Make sure to take as many math classes as you can and aim for trigonometry, pre-calculus, and calculus before graduation.
Where do engineers work?
It’s not uncommon for engineers to work in a variety of locations. Large enterprises employ many, while tiny businesses employ a few. Engineers can be found in industrial facilities, hospitals, research labs, building sites, and conventional company offices across the globe.
What is the purpose of National Engineers Week?
National Engineers Week creates public awareness about the importance and contributions of engineers to our quality of life.
National Engineers Week Activities
Learn more about engineering
It's also a terrific opportunity for you to learn more about engineering and see if it's something you'd like to pursue in the future. Study the many engineering specialties and the tasks for which they are accountable.
Talk to an engineer
You can talk to an engineer about their job to see what the day-to-day requirements are. If you work at an organization or school, you can invite a speaker to speak to aspiring engineers.
Learn about unconventional forms of engineering
Most people look at engineering as a very serious profession but there is a merging of the profession with a creative side: baking. Called ‘bakineering,’ you can learn more about this unconventional marriage of the functional and edible. The Netflix show “Baking Impossible” is an amazing introduction to the world of bakineering.
5 Items Created By Engineers
The snowboard
The Snurfer, an early version of the snowboard, was invented by Sherman Poppen in 1965.
Running shoes
Founder of Adidas, Adolf Dassler, created the running shoe in 1925.
Water slides
Thank Herbert Sellner for creating the first patented water slide in 1923.
The Ferris Wheel
Civil engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. created the design for one of the greatest wonders.
Virtual reality
The first virtual reality headset was created by Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull in 1968.
Why We Love National Engineers Week
Gets students interested in engineering
National Engineers Week focuses on the work and achievements of engineers. This is great for those who are interested in a career in engineering. Awareness and a lot of information is generated throughout the week.
Challenging yet fulfilling
In the field of engineering, there is no shortage of problems that need to be solved. Come up with a solution and convince others that your approach is the best out there.
Boosting morale
The appreciation engineers get is great for boosting their morale. And we love it!
National Engineers Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 18–24 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2025 | February 16–22 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | February 15–21 | Sunday–Saturday |
