Engineering

Graduate engineers possess marketable skills, and their strong foundation in technology, problem solving, numeracy, analytical and evaluative skills, teamwork and project management makes them attractive to employers both inside and outside the engineering sector.

The chemical and electrical/electronic engineering sectors in the Republic of Ireland have seen rapid growth in recent years. Mechanical engineering is also a significant engineering employment sector.

Beyond these traditional areas, there has been a drive by the government and industry to increase activities in research and development, particularly in disciplines such as electrical, electronic or microelectronic engineering, biomedical engineering and mechatronics.

The real concern for the engineering sector is attracting the skilled graduates it needs to continue to thrive. A report by Engineers Ireland predicted that the number of engineering graduates entering the workforce each year needs to grow by 7 per cent annually up to 2020. New initiatives designed to boost research and innovation has opened up new opportunities for graduates with an engineering degree. Despite the difficult economic climate, thanks to Ireland's shift towards R&D, technological development and the green economy there is an increasing demand for engineers.