• Over 22,300 additional engineers are needed in the next decade
  • Just 9.8% of graduates are from engineering disciplines, half the global average
  • Currently, low female participation in engineering
  • Significant reform of STEM education and promotion is  required to address forecasts

Ireland will require more than 22,300 additional engineers over the next decade, requiring significant reform of our education system to address the shortfall. The statistics come from a new report, published by the engineering representative body Engineers Ireland, which reveals large gaps in Ireland’s current STEM education landscape, with a particular focus on how engineering is taught and promoted.

The stark predicted shortage of engineering talent over the next 10 years would, if not addressed, place Ireland’s continued economic growth at risk, as well as raise question marks over this country’s ability to complete vital infrastructure projects and attract foreign direct investment over this period.

The report, From Awareness to Action: Engineers Ireland advocating for engineering outreach, released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Engineers Ireland’s educational outreach programme, STEPS, shows that just 9.8% of graduates in Ireland come from engineering disciplines, almost half the global average. Additionally, only 4% of female graduates come from engineering disciplines, while statistics from the Higher Education Authority show that female students account for only 25% of those enrolled in engineering and construction courses at third level. Women make up around 12% of the current engineering workforce.

The report recommends measures such as a centre of excellence dedicated to engineering outreach and the development of best practice STEM guidance, reforms in STEM curricula in schools, and greater publicity of alternative pathways into engineering, such as apprenticeships, as means of increasing numbers entering the profession.

Earlier this year, Engineers Ireland’s barometer report, Engineering 2025, highlighted existing recruitment difficulties within the profession, with 84% of engineering employers agreeing that there are plenty of job opportunities in the sector, and a third stating it had taken them six to 12 months to fill a vacant engineering position last year.

Co-author of the report and Registrar at Engineers Ireland, Dr Keith Sunderland, said:
“Current projections point to a worrying shortage of engineering talent in the years to come, which may threaten Ireland’s ability to thrive in a technology-driven, knowledge-based global economy. Since its inception 25 years ago, STEPS, Engineers Ireland’s educational outreach programme, has successfully engaged more than two million children, introducing them to the inspiring world of engineering. More, however, can be done to promote engineering and STEM subjects within our schools, ensuring that our young people are prepared to avail of the incredible opportunities that a career in engineering can provide while simultaneously providing the workforce to safeguard this country’s future.”

The full report is available to read here.