A new survey from Engineers Ireland shows that 71% of engineering firms see potential for growth this year.
But a slightly higher percentage – 72% – are concerned that a shortage of engineering talent will be a major barrier to acheiving that growth.
The top skills that are being sought after include fundamental engineering knowledge, effective communication and the design of solutions of complex problems.
Today’s survey also reveals that two thirds of engineering firms surveyed said they plan to recruit new staff this year.
When asked about apprenticeships as a pathway into the profession in Ireland, 63% of members agreed that it is an attractive route into engineering.
John Power, President of Engineers Ireland, said with so many engineering firms creating jobs in the short to medium term, the challenge as always is to ensure Ireland has the ready supply of engineering skills needed to fill those positions and deliver the vital infrastructural projects needed to galvanise Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery.
“In this year’s report, 85% of members agreed that there are plenty of job opportunities in the sector. A total of 79% of our members surveyed agreed that engineering is a rewarding career for young people and 76% of members believe the profession offers equal career opportunities for women and men,” Mr Power said.
Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said that Engineering in Ireland is a robust industry which is predicting continued growth.
He said that everyone is aware of the job cuts in the technology sector, but it must be noted that there are other sectors in urgent need of engineers, for example, construction and consultancy with almost 8,000 new jobs anticipated in these sectors this year.
“Engineering touches the lives of everyone, providing creative solutions to societal needs from tangible works, such as bridges and flood defences to heart stents and prostheses as well as the invisible technology around us and addressing the challenges of climate change and the circular economy,” Mr Owens added.
