Failure to address shortage of engineers threatens future prosperity — Engineers Ireland

Kenneth Fox

The failure to address the current shortage of engineers in Ireland threatens the country's growth, according to Engineers Ireland

They said over 22,300 additional engineers are needed in the next decade, with just 9.8 per cent of graduates coming from engineering disciplines, half the global average.

Engineers Ireland said female participation in engineering remains low and significant reform of STEM education and promotion is needed to address it.

A new report published by Engineers Ireland 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.

To address recruitment, the report recommends measures such as a centre of excellence dedicated to engineering outreach, the development of best practice STEM guidance, and reforms in STEM curricula in schools.

They are also calling for 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 per cent 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.”