Engineers Ireland, the professional membership body for engineers in Ireland, has offered its congratulations to students in receipt of CAO engineering and engineering trades course offers and encouraged students who have not obtained the required CAO points to consider all routes to enter the profession.

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, commented: “Engineers are at the forefront of innovation and deliver sustainable and creative solutions to some of the world's most complex challenges. From clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and sustainable transport, engineers are critical to Irish society, our environment and economy, and will play a pivotal role in our green and digital future. 

“With significant demands by engineering firms for new talent, I encourage students to accept their offer and pursue a career in a rewarding sector that provides limitless opportunities”.

Ms Spillane also said: “Students who accept an offer of an engineering course at third-level can look forward to gaining internationally-recognised qualifications and will enjoy excellent career prospects.”

Encouraging students who have not obtained the required CAO points, to consider all routes for a career in the engineering sector, Ms Spillane commented: “Our Engineering 2021 Barometer report highlighted the significant demand by industry for engineering talent, with 79% of engineering firms planning to recruit staff in 2021 alone.

“To meet this and future demand, we would urge students who have not obtained the required CAO points or who have not followed the traditional CAO pathway to consider all routes for a career in the sector, such as apprenticeships and other skills-based training. These routes will also offer a real opportunity to develop professional and technical skills which are valued by employers and are now so badly needed in industry.”

Concluding, Ms Spillane encouraged all future engineering students to “commence their engineering career journey today by availing of free student membership of Engineers Ireland and becoming part of Engineers Ireland’s 25,000 member-community”.

Students can sign up for free student membership today by visiting: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Students/Student-Membership/Welcome-to-engineering