The number of Level 8, first round CAO offers for engineering courses has increased by 10% over the last year.

This comes after a record number of applicants opted to pursue the third-level courses, with a particular growth noticed in courses with a focus on sustainability and climate action.

National body Engineers Ireland has welcomed the continued increase in demand and urged applicants who secured a first round offer to accept.

Engineers Ireland Registrar and Chartered Engineer, Damien Owens said: "We are encouraged by the increase in the numbers of students opting to pursue engineering at third-level and, in particular, the growth in the number of students choosing courses with a focus on sustainability and climate action.

"From clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and sustainable transport, engineers are critical to Irish society, our environment and economy. Ireland needs a steady supply of engineers, with the necessary skillset, to boost local economies, create new jobs, facilitate sustainable development and meet Government ambitions, such as those outlined in the Climate Action Plan."

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According to findings from Engineers Ireland's Engineering 2019 report, almost all (94%) engineering employers consider a shortage of experienced engineers to be a barrier to growth. The National Skills Bulletin 2018, which informs Government employment and education policy, also recognises shortages in almost all engineering occupations.

"There are serious skills shortages in the sector," commented Mr Owens. "The current supply of third level graduates, particularly from Level 7 and Level 8 courses, is simply insufficient to meet the needs of our growing society. For example, in 2017, there were 3,865 graduates from Level 7 and Level 8 engineering courses, a 15% decrease over the past five years. In relation specifically to Civil & Building engineering graduates on Level 7 and Level 8 courses, a 55% decrease, also in the past five years, is an ongoing cause of concern with just 669 students graduating from these courses in 2017 compared to 1,494 in 2012."

He added: "Given the level of demand by industry for a skilled labour force to create and fill the jobs of the future, we would urge students who have not obtained the required CAO points or who have not followed the traditional CAO pathway to consider all routes for a career in the sector, such as apprenticeships and other skills-based training. These routes will also offer a real opportunity to develop professional and technical skills which are valued by employers and are now so badly needed in industry."

(CM/JG)