Over one-third (37%) of engineering organisations surveyed said they hope to grow and hire in the coming 12 to 18 months, New findings, published by Engineers Ireland, show.

The research was highlighted at the launch of the Engineers Ireland revised CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Accredited Employer Standard by the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, T.D.

The survey shows that 56% of Chief Executives of Irish engineering-led organisations consider cost competitiveness as the most critical challenge faced at present, followed by the competition for talent (14%) and globalisation (12%). When asked what capability engineering employees needed most to cope with these challenges, just under one-in-three (31%) cited adaptability while 29% said the ability to manage knowledge effectively. Those surveyed employ over 25,000 people in Ireland.

The survey was undertaken as part of a major year-long research and consultation period by Engineers Ireland to revise its CPD Accredited standard in line with international best practice. First launched by Engineers Ireland in 1999 the national standard has now been achieved by 144 leading engineering employers in Ireland and is backed by the Department of Education and Skills.

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(GK)

Speaking at yesterday’s launch, the Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn, T.D, said: "The engineering sector will play a central role in Ireland’s economic recovery. It is important to ensure our engineering talent already in the workforce continues to upskill and progress. The CPD process and accreditation is leading the way in this respect and will ensure our engineers are able to compete with the best talent globally."

Also commenting, John Power, Director General, Engineers Ireland said: "Over the last 12 months at Engineers Ireland we have undertaken a rigorous process to revise the CPD accreditation process to ensure we are setting a global standard, a standard which our evidence shows is creating and sustaining over 5,000 plus jobs in Ireland, all as a result of the strategic use of CPD practices by employers in the Engineers Ireland programme. Up to 144 leading engineering organisations in Ireland have now achieved CPD accreditation, underpinning their ability to adapt and develop to cope with real business challenges including economic fluctuation, the rapid rate of technological change, cost competitiveness and globalisation. Given the invaluable business benefits which CPD is proven to deliver we would urge all engineering-led organisations to take action now and engage with us."

The new national CPD Employer standard will come into effect from January 1st 2013.

(GK)