Working Life

Engineers apply scientific principles to come up with creative solutions to practical problems. Their work is very diverse and impacts on all our lives - not just through areas such as construction, manufacturing, processing, communications, transport and fuel, but also through engineers' development of medical technology.  

 
Engineers have shaped much of the modern world. They have helped to give us roads, bridges, dams, televisions, personal computers, the mobile phone, nuclear power stations, reservoirs, pipelines and microchips etc.  

Whatever area an engineer is working in, they may be able to specialise, for example, in design, research, systems, or control. Engineers make improvements to the efficiency, cost, safety and reliability of the products they are working on.  
 
The work carried out by engineers is wide and varied. At any stage of a project, an engineer might be involved in: planning the project, carrying out feasibility studies, building and testing prototypes, research, diagnostic studies to find causes of problems, client meetings, site visits and report writing.  
 
Engineers have to take account of factors like cost and the quality of materials. Increasingly, the need to protect the environment is a vital part of engineering.  
 
Engineers spend much of their time working in teams. They may need to work in an office, in a laboratory or 'on-site', depending on the nature of the project they are working on and what stage the work has reached. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) techniques.  
 
Branches of Engineering include - Aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil, environmental, industrial, mechanical and nuclear. For information on the many branches of engineering, please click here

Further Information

• Clinical Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Commissioning engineer- from: GradIreland
• Consulting engineer- from: GradIreland
• Drilling engineer- from: GradIreland
• Lift Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Thermal Insulation Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Entry to the engineering profession is generally through an accredited degree. Almost all of the institutes of technology and universities offer relevant engineering courses.  However, there is more than one route you can take:

The most direct way into engineering is to take an Honours Degree (Level 8) Engineering course as offered by almost all third level colleges and universities throughout the country. You can specialise the engineering areas you are most interested in from the start of the 4-year course. There are many specialist courses available reflecting the different areas of engineering, from, mechanical, electrical/electronic, aeronautical, chemical automotive, civil, structural, systems, to mechatronic control and engineering design.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing, engineering operations, engineering technology, cleanroom operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: civil, mechanical, electronics, engineering, pre-university, preliminary.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Principal Engineer, Engineering, ICT.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, electronic, mechanical engineering.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

There are many specialist courses available reflecting the different areas of engineering, from, mechanical, electrical/electronic, aeronautical, chemical automotive, civil, structural, systems, to mechatronic control and engineering design.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited Level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €45k - €120k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL / Morgan McKinley / Lincoln / Sigmar / Azon/ Excel/ Clark/ Osborne

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers, Electrical engineers, Electronics engineers, Engineering professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment levels have declined annually for this occupation since 2021, resulting in an average growth rate only slightly above zero. Employment is primarily divided between industry and the professional activities sector. Over a quarter (27%) of those employed were non-Irish citizens and 87% were male. Despite the fall in employment, demand remains evident.

This occupation accounted for the highest share of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023. Vacancies advertised through DSP related mainly to mechanical and electrical engineers. A high volume of employment permits were issued for electrical, mechanical and automation engineers amongst others, and these were mentioned in the Recruitment Agency Survey results as difficult-to-fill vacancies and also in the Spotlight on Skills data. Skills in demand for these roles included project management, interpersonal, analytics and mathematical skills (based on Skills for Growth data).

Demand persists for some specific roles within this occupation, namely mechanical, electrical and automation engineers, despite the decline in overall employment levels. While employment for each of these individual occupations is small, these skills play a critical role in industry, particularly in the life sciences, and in the transition to a digital and green economy.

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