The Engineering College of Technology (ECT), together with its sister institution, the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), recently hosted a vibrant workshop titled “Shape the Future of Engineering: AI, Machine Learning & Innovation in Action” on Friday, 4 July 2025.
Held at the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, the event attracted a diverse group of engineering professionals, students, and educators; both in person and online. Shaun Hay-Calcott, ECT’s Head of College for UK Operations, described the venue as “stunning,” praising its excellent conference facilities and the welcoming atmosphere created for delegates.
Attendees came from across the UK, stretching from Portsmouth in the south to Yorkshire in the north, with nearly 60 more tuning in online from around the world, marking a fantastic turnout for ECT’s inaugural event.
The workshop offered a hands-on, practical look at how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionising engineering. It aligns with ECT’s commitment to delivering education deeply connected to real-world engineering challenges.
Hay-Calcott highlighted ECT’s distinctive approach, noting that students engage with “real world topics and problems faced in the engineering industry every day.” They access live webinars, remote labs, and advanced simulation software, all led by renowned experts including Dr. Steve Mackay, the Dean of Engineering at both EIT and ECT, and Dr. Hadi Harb, an AI consultant and lecturer at EIT.
Dr. Harb kicked off the event with a compelling keynote streamed live from Spain. He explored how machine learning, especially large language models (LLMs), can enhance engineering processes by supporting data-driven decision-making and intelligent system design.
He expects that future LLMs will be “trained on specialised datasets in different engineering disciplines,” evolving into indispensable team members. He emphasized the importance of engineers understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, cautioning against viewing AI as a “magical system that will solve anything.” Instead, he advocates treating AI as a collaborative tool to be integrated thoughtfully within engineering workflows.
Following the keynote, Dr. Mackay led interactive sessions focusing on prompt engineering and collaborative problem-solving using generative AI models. Participants engaged in group activities applying AI-driven tools to real engineering scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Attendees received digital Certificates of Attendance, acknowledging their dedication to professional development.
Dr. Harb also shared how AI is already influencing major engineering projects worldwide. For instance, he highlighted reports of Chinese engineers using AI platforms like DeepSeek to accelerate the design of the J-35 stealth fighter, showcasing how AI shortens development cycles and boosts innovation.
He advised students and professionals to sharpen their skills in collaborating with AI—leveraging it for brainstorming, idea generation, and pattern recognition—while maintaining their own critical thinking.
Reflecting on the workshop’s success, Hay-Calcott expressed enthusiasm for the event’s reach and impact. He revealed plans to build on this momentum with additional workshops and programs, encouraging interested individuals to watch ECT’s news and events page for updates.
The workshop demonstrated ECT’s strong commitment to preparing engineers for the future, blending cutting-edge technology with practical education that responds to industry needs.
About ECT
The Engineering College of Technology (ECT) is a UK-registered higher education provider affiliated with the Australian-based Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT). ECT offers industry-relevant engineering qualifications through innovative digital platforms, expert-led instruction, and remote lab access. Its mission is to prepare engineers worldwide for the demands of modern practice, driving technological innovation and global collaboration.
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