The number of Higher Level students sitting a paper in 'STEM' related subjects has dropped off, sparking concerns from industry leaders.

The overall Higher Level paper sittings by students in STEM related subjects fell by 6% from last year.

Engineers Ireland has congratulated students receiving their Leaving Certificate results, while also voicing concern over the STEM drop-off.

Statistics published by the State Examinations Commission show that 96,088 Leaving Certificate students participated in STEM subjects at Higher Level, a decrease in over 5,850 students when compared to 2021 figures.

The representative body for engineers, whose membership represents the full spectrum of the engineering profession, also raised concern at the number of students undertaking Higher Level Leaving Certificate mathematics. Over 21,265 students were awarded grades for the Higher-Level mathematics paper today, representing a 7% decrease when compared to 2021.

Other decreases noted in the number of students taking Higher Level subjects in key STEM subject areas, include in Agricultural Science (- 18%), Applied Maths (-11%) and Physics (-10%).

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Technology however has shown an 11% increase in the number of the students sitting this paper at Higher Level. The number of students who sat the Computer Science Higher Level paper also doubled, from 640 students in 2021 to 1,382 in 2022.

Commenting on the Leaving Cert results, Damien Owens, Registrar and Interim Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: "Maths and science knowledge are valuable aptitudes for future engineers. A proficiency and understanding of STEM by Ireland's future leaders is also vital to ensure that our country can continue to develop the critical infrastructure that it needs and benefit from new technological advances, while also having the ability to address global challenges such as climate change.

"While today's decrease in the number of STEM sittings at Higher Level is of a concern, it is our hope that that industry and academia will continue to work together to support our future talent to excel in these subject areas and to equip themselves with an adequate knowledge of STEM. Our organisation is active in this area with our STEPS programme which encourages primary and post-primary students to explore the world of STEM, while promoting engineering as a study and career choice."

Looking ahead to CAO first round offers on 08 September, Mr Owens encouraged those who will receive a CAO offer of an engineering course to accept their offer and pursue a career in engineering: "Our future engineering graduates will be central to the successful delivery of ambitious infrastructural and technological initiatives and will be uniquely placed to support our climate goals and ambitions. Students who accept an offer of an engineering course at third-level can look forward to gaining internationally-recognised qualifications and unlimited career opportunities.

"Students should also actively consider apprenticeship opportunities. Engineers Ireland has supported the development of new consortia-led apprenticeships which provide both academic learning and hands-on training and will provide students with excellent opportunities and career progression."