Gran Canaria Students Explore Civil Engineering
The 1st Civil Engineering Conference at Gran Canaria's Elder Museum has already engaged over 600 students, aiming to inspire future engineers by showcasing the field's daily impact until November 16.
More than 600 students from Gran Canaria have already delved into the world of Civil Engineering at the Elder Museum. The 1st Civil Engineering Conference, running until November 16 at the Elder Museum of Science and Technology in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has seen young people from a dozen local schools participate in its first week. Organizers expect over 1,300 students to visit the exhibition by the time the conference concludes.
During their visit, students get hands-on experience and learn interactively how civil engineering impacts their everyday lives. This includes everything from the water flowing into their homes to the roads, bridges, ports, and transport systems that link the islands.
This educational program is organized by the Las Palmas Chapter of the College of Civil Engineers (CICCP). Its main goal is to introduce engineering to younger generations and encourage them to consider careers in a field that offers full employment and increasing demand. Experts predict Spain will need more than 200,000 new engineers over the next ten years.
"We want students to see that vital infrastructure, like roads and water systems, is built on valuable technical work that significantly improves everyone's quality of life," said Felipe Ramón Roque Villarreal, Dean of the CICCP in Las Palmas.
Exploring Engineering That Shapes Our Land
Students take part in educational workshops, interactive games, and virtual reality experiences. They also explore a large exhibition covering key areas of civil engineering, such as offshore wind energy, transport, port management, protecting coastlines, and the complete water cycle.
The conference also offers special technical visits to real-world infrastructure, including the Arguineguín cement factory and the water treatment and desalination plants in Gáldar. These visits give young people a direct and engaging look at the profession.
Open to Everyone
The Civil Engineering Conference is held at the Elder Museum from November 4 to 16. Admission is free from Tuesday to Friday. It's open to both schools and the general public, offering high-quality talks, workshops, and presentations. One notable event is "Roads on Lava: Engineering and Reconstruction after the Tajogaite Eruption," scheduled for November 13.
The new Electric Bus will also be unveiled during the conference. Visitors can experience it up close through an innovative virtual reality simulation starting November 11 at 12 PM. The presentation will be made by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and the Las Palmas City Council.
"These conferences connect engineering with society," Dean Roque Villarreal added. "We want to inspire new career paths and demonstrate that progress and sustainability go hand-in-hand."
The response to this first conference has been outstanding. More than 1,300 students from 21 schools have already signed up for the activities, showing a strong and growing interest in a profession vital for the sustainable growth of the Canary Islands.
Event Details
- What: 1st Civil Engineering Conference
- Where: Elder Museum of Science and Technology, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- When: November 4 to 16, 2025
- Admission: Free from Tuesday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, general admission is €3 (reduced price).
- Find out more: www.jornadasingenieriacaminos.es