Increased Engineering uptake welcomed

Denis McGrath, Chartered Engineer and registrar of Engineers Ireland said: “Engineers Ireland STEPS to engineering programme aims to raise awareness of engineering as a career choice. The number of students specifying a Level 7 or 6 engineering course as a first preference on their form has increased by over 21% this year which would suggest that our events and relationship building with schools are a success. In particular, our involvement in the Are You Up For It campaign which highlighted to students the opportunities available for engineering graduates in the ICT sector.

“However, we are still concerned that the number of students applying for Level 8 engineering courses has fallen in comparison by over 5%. This is most likely a direct result of the decreased number of students studying higher level maths.”

He continued: “The increased demand for some electronic engineering courses is very positive as this discipline of engineering is critical to realise the Government’s strategy for science, technology and innovation. A shortage of engineers in Ireland also means that it’s an ideal time for engineering graduates to take advantage of the many opportunities that are on offer to them.”

Engineers Ireland would like to remind students seeking entry to Level 8 engineering courses that even if they did not achieve a C3 or above in higher level maths, individual universities are running an Engineers Ireland approved maths exam that can facilitate entry to that institution’s engineering courses. Students should contact individual colleges to find out more details. With over 220 third level engineering courses in Ireland, students can also choose a Level 7/6 course and upon completion seek to transfer to a Level 8 engineering degree programme.

Denis McGrath concluded: “Though Engineers Ireland is delighted to see the increased demand for engineering courses, we are looking forward to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s report on the Leaving Certificate maths syllabus. We still believe that students need to be motivated to take on the higher level maths paper and have suggested bonus points for those students who apply for engineering courses. We welcome any changes to the curriculum if they encourage students to study higher level maths and create a core relationship between the subject, real life and in turn careers in engineering.”

A recent report entitled Engineering a Knowledge Island 2020 published by Engineers Ireland and the Irish Academy of Engineers highlighted that if the island of Ireland is to become a top five global economy by 2020 there needs to be a year on year increase of 7% in the number of engineering graduates. To ensure this increase, in 2007 Engineers Ireland’s STEPS to engineering programme, will actively encourage young people to consider a career in engineering through 1,500 events targeting over 65,000 students nationwide.

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Engineers Ireland Website

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Engineers Ireland 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel: +353 1 6684341 Fax: +353 1 6685508

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Source: Engineers Ireland Website- 03/09/07