There will be more than 6,000 new jobs created in the engineering sector next year, a survey by Engineers Ireland has revealed.
The findings, published ahead of the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards 2018 on November 9, also indicate that 89 per cent of the engineering employers surveyed believe their financial position will improve in 2019, despite the ongoing Brexit challenge and a recent decline in consumer sentiment across a number of sectors.
A total of 94 per cent of the engineering employers surveyed, however, see the shortage of engineers with the right skills as the main barrier to business growth.
Engineers Ireland director general, Caroline Spillane said: “A vast swathe of engineering organisations and companies across consulting engineering, construction, manufacturing and other key industries have prospered in 2018, and have told us that they are even more confident about their prospects for 2019.
"Despite the uncertain political climate, the engineering employers we surveyed have more than 6,000 new jobs planned for next year.
Skills shortage
“However, they see the biggest barrier to growth once again to be a shortage of engineers with the right skills, and most expect this situation to worsen next year. We strongly urge more young people, particularly young women, to consider a career in engineering and the fantastic and expanding opportunities that exist in the sector.
"If Ireland is to continue to be an attractive destination for high-value foreign direct investment, if we are to meet our goals in housing and broadband, and if we are to realise the ambitions mapped out in Project Ireland 2040, a ready supply of talented engineers will fundamental to realising these goals.”
The Engineers Ireland survey indicates that 6,014 engineering jobs will be created in 2019, with 59 per cent of organisations looking to hire experienced civil and building engineers next year.
Mechanical and manufacturing engineers (39 per cent) and electrical and electronic engineers (35 per cent) are also highly sought after by engineering companies.
Engineering organisations are also now taking measures to address the skills challenges they face, the survey found, with 66 per cent investing in upskilling/reskilling current employees, and 64 per cent collaborating with education institutions.
However, comparatively few have been participating in outreach awareness programmes (seven per cent) or specifically targeting female talent (23 per cent).
Engineer Ireland's Excellence Awards
Engineers Ireland is also to announce the winners of the ninth Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, in association with ESB, at a special ceremony this Friday, November 9, at the InterContinental Dublin, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
The Engineering Project of the Year shortlist, the flagship category which involves a public vote and is sponsored by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, features:
- Kevin Street Garda Headquarters by Atkins;
- M17/M18 Gort to Tuam Motorway PPP by Barry Transportation and Arup;
- Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme by Irish Water, in association with Kerry County Council, Nicholas O'Dwyer, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and Glan Agua;
- Northern Spire Bridge by Roughan & O'Donovan, Buro Happold, Farrans and Victor Buyck;
- Shannon Airport Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 by RPS;
- BXD 400 - Luas Cross City by Sisk Steconfer JV.
For further information about the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, visit:
http://www.engineersireland.ie/awards/excellence-awards.aspx.