Ireland will require over 22,300 additional engineers over the next decade, a demand that highlights the urgent need for reform in our education system. This is according to a new report, published by Engineers Ireland, which exposes critical gaps in Ireland’s STEM education landscape, particularly how engineering is taught and promoted.
The report warns that failure to address the shortage of engineering talent over the next 10 years could threaten Ireland’s continued economic growth, delay vital infrastructure projects and hinder the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment.
From Awareness to Action: Engineers Ireland advocating for engineering outreach, released in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of Engineers Ireland’s STEPS educational outreach programme, shows that just 9.8% of graduates in Ireland come from engineering disciplines, nearly half the global average. The gender gap is also stark: only 4% of female graduates are 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.
To address this, the report recommends measures such as a centre of excellence dedicated to engineering outreach, the development of best practice STEM guidance, reforms in STEM curricula in schools, and increased promotion of alternative pathways into engineering, including apprenticeships, as means of increasing numbers entering the profession.
Earlier this year, Engineers Ireland’s barometer report, Engineering 2025, found that 84% of engineering employers agreed that there are strong job opportunities in the sector, while a third reported it had taken between 6 and 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, our STEPS, programme, has successfully reached over two million young people, introducing them to the inspiring world of engineering. But more can be done to promote engineering and STEM within our schools. We need to ensure our young people are aware of the incredible opportunities engineering offers – and build the skilled workforce needed to secure Ireland’s future.”
The full report is available to read here.
