Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Working Life

Electrical Engineering deals with the creation and distribution of electrical power. Electronic Engineering deals with the processing, transfer and storage of information by electrical means. As a consequence, the sise of the equipment and the nature of the craft differ. They work in fields such as telecommunications, data communications, domestic appliance repair, medical science instruments and automated systems.  
 
Electronics engineering technicians help engineers to provide a very wide range of sophisticated products to our homes and offices. These include: personal computers, multimedia entertainment devices, control systems for heating, cooking and washing, games machines, multimedia information systems.  
 
Technicians support the work of engineers in a wide range of areas, including research and development, design and technical drawing (draught work), maintenance and quality control/assurance.  
 
In a manufacturing industry, electronic engineering technicians may work on a range of products from telephones, radios and televisions to aircraft and satellites. Technicians research new products or work on ways to improve existing ones. For example, they may test the electronic performance and reliability of televisions before they go into full production. They may test printed circuit boards (PCBs) to make sure they respond correctly to the user's instructions, checking that all connections and joints are made properly and that there are no short circuits.  
 
Electronic engineering technicians also help to develop and maintain the equipment used to control and manage processes, systems and machinery in many different areas. Areas such as Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic equipment, Avionics, Commercial Telecomm and Automated Production systems have increased dramatically in recent years.  
 
In manufacturing, technicians could maintain and repair the assembly lines that carry equipment through the production cycle. Mechanical checks could include making sure that compressors are running properly and motors are lubricated. If there is a fault, some engineering technicians can plug laptop computers into Programme Logic Controllers, which control produc

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
• Inspect parts for surface defects.
• Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
• Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
• Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
• Develop, test, or program new robots.
• Prepare written documentation of electromechanical test results.
• Repair, rework, or calibrate hydraulic or pneumatic assemblies or systems to meet operational specifications or tolerances.
• Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment used for green production applications, such as waste-to-energy conversion systems, minimisation of material waste, or replacement of human operators in dangerous work environments.

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

 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.

 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.

 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.

The Institutes of Technology offer Higher Certificate and Degree programmes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Courses are also available at PLC level from many colleges of Further Education and private colleges.

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, 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: computers, IT, maintenance, support, engineering, electronics.

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: Engineering, ICT, Fastrack into IT Apprenticeships.

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, manufacturing, ICT, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

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.

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)* €35k - €65k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley / Sigmar

Last Updated: March, 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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