Jobs for engineers are among the hardest to fill in Ireland, according to recent data from job platform Indeed. In response to the growing demand for engineers, the “Explore Engineering” event has become a vital initiative, offering secondary school students in the Mid West a closer look at engineering career opportunities.
The event has proven to be such a success that it now takes place in the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport. More than 2,000 students from Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary attended this year’s showcase, where engineers from 60 local companies shared insights into the variety of educational pathways and career opportunities available in the region.
Jean McAdam, Marketing Director at Analog Devices, emphasized the importance of making engineering appealing and accessible. “We are trying to demystify the career and show students, as well as their parents, the exciting opportunities in engineering,” McAdam explained. “We want to highlight how vibrant the engineering sector is in the Mid West and the employment prospects that await graduates.”
The students displayed keen interest in the exhibits, which covered a wide range of engineering disciplines. “Engineering is such a broad topic,” said Ms. McCabe, one of the event organizers. “Students want to know which field of engineering aligns with their interests, whether it’s biomedical, electronic, or robotics.”
The event also aimed to demonstrate that engineering is an inclusive field with diverse career paths, from working with cutting-edge medical devices to operating large machinery in construction projects.
Modulacc, a portable building solutions company based in Limerick, attended the showcase to engage with potential future engineers. Managing Director Colin McNamara highlighted the importance of attracting talent across various sectors of engineering, from design to construction. “We need engineers at every level,” McNamara said. “This event provides us with a glimpse of the future workforce.”
For students like Tadhg Hassett from Kilnamona, the event was an eye-opener. Tadhg learned about the work of industrial diamond specialist Element Six and its involvement in rocket science. “I’ve also realized that you don’t have to go to university to study engineering; there are apprenticeship routes too,” he shared.
Isabel Wiseman, a student studying technology subjects, also visited the University of Limerick’s stand to learn more about engineering courses. “It’s good to see the pathways available if I decide to pursue engineering,” she said.
Recent figures from the Higher Education Authority reveal a 70% increase in engineering graduates from the University of Limerick and Technological University of the Shannon over the past seven years, with the “Explore Engineering” event playing a significant role in this growth.
Eimear Brophy, Chair of Exploring Engineering, noted that the number of attendees has increased from 1,200 to over 2,000 in recent years. “We are seeing steady progress, and it’s encouraging to see more students interested in engineering careers,” Brophy said.
With 16% of jobs in the Mid West related to engineering, the event also serves as a crucial platform for promoting the importance of diversity in the sector, including women in engineering and the apprenticeship route. “We’re making a difference, and the data shows it,” Brophy added.
