The continued growth in students undertaking STEM subjects at Leaving Certificate level has been welcomed by Engineers Ireland.

Statistics published today by the State Examinations Commission have revealed that more than 101,306 Leaving Certificate students participated in STEM subjects at higher level, a 5% increase when compared with 2020.

The representative body for engineers, whose membership represents the full spectrum of the engineering profession in Ireland, also welcomed the continued growth in the number of students undertaking higher-level Leaving Certificate mathematics. More than 22,900 students were awarded grades for the higher-level mathematics paper today, representing a 12% increase when compared with 2019.

Strong increases were also observed in the number of students taking higher-level subjects related to engineering. This included an 8% increase in the numbers of students undertaking higher-level applied mathematics, a 7% growth in the number of students undertaking technology, and a 6% rise in design and communications studies and construction studies, when compared with the 2020 figures.

Knowledge-based economy

Caroline Spillane, director general of Engineers Ireland, said: “As a leading advocate for STEM education through our STEPS programme, the continued growth and participation in STEM subjects by Leaving Certificate students is a most welcome development.

“As a knowledge-based economy and an island nation, we have a reliance on the quality and quantity of our STEM graduates. A proficiency and understanding of STEM by Ireland’s future leaders is very important to ensure that our country can continue to benefit from new industry opportunities and technological advancements, in addition to facilitating sustainable development and meeting government ambitions.” 

Looking ahead to CAO first round offers on Tuesday, September 7, Spillane encouraged those who will receive a CAO offer of an engineering course to accept their offer and pursue a career in engineering: “An engineering qualification offers a chance to do extremely rewarding work, enhance people’s lives and explore almost limitless career opportunities. 

"Students who accept an offer of an engineering course at third-level can also look forward to gaining internationally-recognised qualifications and the support of Engineers Ireland and our 25,000 member-community throughout their careers.”