Engineers Ireland has welcomed the first round CAO offers and the continued increase in demand for engineering courses. The professional membership body for engineers in Ireland encouraged those who received a CAO offer of an engineering course to accept their offer and pursue a career in a rewarding sector that provides limitless opportunities.

Welcoming the 10% increase (on 2018) in Level 8, Round One offers for engineering courses, Engineers Ireland Registrar and Chartered Engineer, Damien Owens said: “We are encouraged by the increase in the numbers of students opting to pursue engineering at third-level and, in particular, the growth in the number of students choosing courses with a focus on sustainability and climate action.

“From clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and sustainable transport, engineers are critical to Irish society, our environment and economy. Ireland needs a steady supply of engineers, with the necessary skillset, to boost local economies, create new jobs, facilitate sustainable development and meet Government ambitions, such as those outlined in the Climate Action Plan,” he added.

The continued upward trend in students selecting engineering courses at Irish third level institutions comes at a welcome time for the profession as demand continues to outstrip supply in the engineering sector. “We are seeing new job opportunities for graduates and increasing salaries within the engineering sector, but there continues to be a shortfall of engineers to meet the needs of industry.”