Changing Ireland provides engineers with window of opportunity

Emerging possibilities in the Smart Economy offer a gateway of opportunity for graduate engineers, according to John Power.  He was speaking as second-level students consider their options ahead of the final deadline for CAO change of mind choices on July 1.

Mr Power highlighted that the increasing shift in focus towards new emerging sectors of industry as well as new initiatives focused on boosting research and innovation meant an engineering qualification provided an excellent platform for career development in a changing Ireland.  “The SMART economy framework that over-arches Ireland’s move towards R&D, technology development and the Green economy means that there is an increasing need for more engineers, despite the tough recessionary times.  This is very much reflected in the Government’s attempts to boost interest in science, technology and engineering courses which are beginning to take effect.  The most recent CAO figures on applications for higher level degree courses show that students are recognising the changing nature of our economy with interest in engineering courses as a first choice up 6% on 2009.  So I now strongly advocate that all students consider the growing need for engineers as the deadline for submitting CAO change of mind applications approaches.”

“It is also widely acknowledged that Ireland’s economic recovery needs to be export-led.  Engineers are critical in key sectors such as biotechnology that underpin our exports and with the most recent export figures for April showing encouraging improvement, the positive trends towards engineering are obvious” added Mr Power.

Students have until 5.15 pm on July 1 to change courses on their CAO forms.