The Engineering Barometer is an annual report from Engineers Ireland that tracks developments in engineering education, employment and perspectives. It has become an established resource for engineers, educators, policy-makers and recruiters.
Engineering has proven to be a robust profession, growing in all areas throughout the pandemic. Salaries have increased in all engineering disciplines over the year, and 84% of our members agree there are plenty of job opportunities in Ireland. This shows the strength of Ireland’s engineering sectors post-pandemic with new flexibility in hybrid. This flexibility will benefit work-life balance and will likely widen and deepen the talent pool for companies.
Public perception of engineering is very positive, with 95% of the public viewing engineers as "Highly Competent", second only to doctors. Engineering is seen as a rewarding career choice for young people by 77% of our members and 80% of the public. 74% of the public poll agreed that it doesn’t matter if you are male or female regarding career opportunities in engineering.
Leaving certificate choices have shown a growing engagement trend in STEM subjects over the past five years, increasing by 27%. Since 2011 there has been a 178% increase in students sitting higher-level mathematics. This is very encouraging for the development of future engineers. Engineers Ireland is actively engaged with our Higher Education Institutions with almost 7,000 student members.
Engineers are critical to combating climate change and biodiversity loss, according to 72% of the public. In 2020, Engineers Ireland declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency and generated a Sustainability Plan, focused around four key pillars, Learn-Live-Lead-Link.