As Global Day of the Engineer is celebrated on Wednesday, April 3, and the CAO closing date for late applications on 1 May, Engineers Ireland is calling on more young people to engineer their future and consider a career in engineering.
'Opportunity to celebrate and recognise the role of engineers'
“As the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland with more than 25,500 members, Global Day of the Engineer provides Engineers Ireland with the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the role of engineers in Ireland and Irish engineers’ contribution to work overseas”, said Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland.
“Ireland has produced some of the world’s leading engineers – from John Phillip Holland, inventor of the first submarine to Alice Perry, the first female graduate of engineering in Europe, and Peter Rice, an award-winning Arup structural engineer who played a central role in the development of the world’s most celebrated buildings, including the Sydney Opera House, Lloyd’s Building in London and the Pompidou Centre in Paris.
“Engineers are critical to Irish society, environment and economy and according to our recently published Engineering 2019 report, 80 per cent of the general public also agree that engineers are essential to reduce risks to public safety and health.
"Without a sufficient supply of engineering talent, it would not be possible to provide crucial products, projects and services - from clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and new manufacturing technologies.”
The Engineering 2019 report also found that engineers are in demand across all sectors and that more than 6,000 jobs are predicted in the sector this year, with demand strongest in consulting engineering companies.
The report also found that 77 per cent of engineering employers’ financial position greatly improved or slightly improved in 2018, while 89 per cent expect their financial position to improve in 2019.
Attractive destination for high-value foreign direct investment
“If Ireland is to remain 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 is fundamental," said Spillane.
"Now, more than ever, we need to encourage young people to study engineering. An engineering qualification offers a chance to do extremely rewarding work, enhance people’s lives and explore almost limitless career opportunities.
"Therefore, if sixth year students have not yet applied for a CAO course, I would urge them to consider further study and a career in engineering by selecting an accredited engineering programme by May 1.”
For more information on Engineers Ireland’s accredited engineering programmes, visit:
http://www.engineersireland.ie/services/accredited-courses.aspx