A new public poll has found engineers and doctors are the most trusted professionals in Ireland.

The study, commissioned as part of Engineers Ireland's 'Engineering 2018' report, has revealed 90% of adults trust engineers to tell the truth and, of the 10 possible professions listed, only doctors are more trusted.

In addition, 91% of Irish adults regard engineers as highly competent and able to apply expertise in their daily work.

In its report, Engineers Ireland said: "We believe that one of the reasons why the public holds such high levels of confidence in engineers is the role the profession plays in public health and safety.

"When we put this to the public, 77% adults agreed that engineers are essential to reduce risks to public health and safety (only 3% disagreed). Agreement was strongest among those with young children in the household (81%) and those over 65 years old (80%)."

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In addition, the report states industry demand for engineering talent has also boosted graduate engineer starting salaries by 11% in the past four years. A 4% rise in engineering graduates has also been recorded, including an upturn in civil and building engineering graduates.

However, while 78% of engineering employers expect their businesses to grow in 2018 and 83% plan to recruit, concerns remaining over an inadequate supply of engineering skills to meet the needs of industry. Employers also pinpointed skills such as communication, attention to detail and teamwork as more important than technical competencies for the modern engineer.

Engineers Ireland Director General, Caroline Spillane, said: "This report demonstrates the exceptionally high levels of trust the public has in engineers as professionals in their daily work.

"We are seeing new job opportunities for graduates and increasing salaries reflecting this, but there continues to be a shortfall of engineers to meet the needs of industry. Now, more than ever, we need to encourage young people to study engineering, which is essentially the lifeblood to successfully delivering the ambitious new infrastructural and technological initiatives that have been outlined in Project Ireland 2040."

To view the 'Engineering 2018' report, visit here.

(LM/MH)