Imagining engineering
Welcome to Engineers Ireland’s STEPS into Engineering which explores some of the many routes to becoming an engineer. The word engineer comes from the same root as ingenious, and engineers take ideas and turn them into real things: mechanical engineers design cars and machines, civil engineers deign roads and skyscrapers, and electrical engineers power our homes and devices.
Engineering is vital to the growth of Ireland’s economy, and we are currently facing a skills and diversity shortage across engineering. We will need over 22,300 additional engineers over the next decade to meet the challenges we face in areas such as energy, infrastructure and housing. Engineering offers secure career prospects and a stable, well-paid and meaningful future.
The following links offer some insights into exciting world of engineering
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How do I become an engineer?
There are many different routes into engineering including degree courses, (QQI FET) PLC courses or apprenticeships, or a combination of the three. General engineering courses are an option for students who are unsure which area of engineering they wish to pursue. They can then specialise in a particular area by doing a master’s or another course after their primary degree. Many courses offer general engineering for the first year or two, before choosing a speciality in the final years.
| NFQ level |
Level 6 |
Level 7 |
Level 8 |
Level 9 |
| Employment/engagement |
Engineering Technician |
Technologist |
Engineer |
Engineer |
| Qualification* |
Higher Cert. |
BEng (Ord.) |
BE |
ME |
| Engineers Ireland Professional title (standard) potential/progression |
Engineering Technician (EngTech) |
Associate Engineer (AEng) |
Chartered Engineer (CEng) |
Chartered Engineer (CEng) |
* Colleges and Universities use their own titles for their qualifications. Those presented above are exemplar to convey the education progression.
Like many professionals, engineers are expected to keep their skills up to date throughout their careers by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. A list of Engineers Ireland-accredited engineering programmes is available here.
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STEPS
STEPS is the only national programme dedicated to bringing engineering experiences to school children.
For over 25 years, the STEPS Programme has engaged over two million students, teachers and parents through meaningful engineering outreach activities such as Engineers Week, Engineering Your Future, and the Young Engineers Award to inspire school children to explore the exciting world of engineering. View our initiatives here.
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What can an engineer be?
Engineering careers are as diverse as they are exciting. Graduates can work in business, industry, or research even at world-leading institutions like CERN, where engineers help unlock the secrets of the universe. From designing sustainable cities to developing life-saving technologies, engineers shape the future.
For parents, supporting your child’s journey into engineering means encouraging curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning. With so many pathways available, every student has the chance to succeed.
Ireland has a proud history of engineering, with pioneers like Alice Perry, the first woman in Ireland to graduate with an engineering degree, and John Philip Holland, who designed the first successful submarine. In recent years, a new generation of Irish engineers and technology leaders have made their mark around the world. Fionnghuala “Fig” O’Reilly is an Irish-American systems engineer and NASA Datanaut. She is a prominent advocate for diversity in STEM and a science communicator for NASA and the European Space Agency. In the energy sector, the late Dr Eddie O’Connor, former CEO of Airtricity, co-founded Mainstream Renewable Power, which has developed over 16.6 GW of renewable energy assets globally, enough to power over 3.2 million homes.
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Junior Certificate
Students considering engineering should make strategic subject choices for the Junior Certificate to build a strong foundation. Prioritising maths, preferably at higher level, and science are essential, as these are core to all engineering fields. Some third level courses require honours maths and many engineering courses offer extra maths supports to students in first year. An important point to make is that while not necessarily excelling at mathematics, most engineers are comfortable with the subject, and they learn to use it as a tool.
Studying engineering in secondary school is not essential but it, along with subjects like technology, technical graphics, metalwork, or woodwork will offer valuable hands-on experience and design skills.
Beyond formal studies, students can develop problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills through group projects and extracurricular activities like STEM clubs, robotics competitions, or coding workshops. Exploring different engineering fields and attending events or open days can also help to clarify interests. Resources like Engineers Ireland offer great insights and opportunities. These early steps can set students up for success in the Leaving Certificate and future engineering careers.
Check out these resources for more information:
- Engineers Ireland – Offers career insights, events, and resources tailored to students exploring engineering pathways in Ireland.
- Scoilnet – Junior Cycle Engineering – The Department of Education’s official portal with curriculum-aligned resources and interactive challenges for Junior Cycle engineering students.
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Transition Year
Transition Year is an opportunity to explore career options. Engineering Your Future is an in-person hands-on work experience in an engineering organisation. It highlights the various routes to engineering including through Higher Education Institutes, industry and apprenticeships.
This nationwide experience is open to all students during Transition Year. Engineering Your Future also offers a virtual work experience.
Learn more about the Engineering Your Future experience here.
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Leaving Certificate
Students considering a career in engineering should make strategic Leaving Certificate subject choices. Higher level maths is important but not essential. However, it is a requirement for many engineering courses in Ireland and encourages the development of an analytical approach to engineering. An important point to make is that while not necessarily excelling at mathematics, most engineers are comfortable with the subject, and they learn to use it as a tool. Many engineering courses offer extra maths supports to students in first year. Physics is highly recommended due to its relevance to mechanics, electricity and materials, as is chemistry. Applied maths is a strong complementary subject, especially for students who enjoy problem-solving. Design and communication graphics and engineering offer practical design and systems experience, which are valuable in fields like mechanical, civil and electronic engineering. A growing engineering discipline, biomedical engineering, is accessible through biology as a Leaving Certificate subject.
Students should consider their college course requirements early, as some may require specific subject combinations.
If you are considering an apprenticeship or a (QQI FET) PLC route you may not have as many requirements. Some useful information on subject choices can be found here.
Beyond formal learning, engaging in STEM competitions, coding projects or engineering summer schools helps to build experience and confidence. Attending university open days, exploring career talks and using platforms like Smart Futures and Engineers Ireland can clarify interests and pathways. Developing strong time management, teamwork and communication skills is also key, as engineering is both technical and collaborative.
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CAO
When exploring engineering programmes across NFQ Levels 6, 7, and 8, students should match their choices with long-term career goals, academic readiness, and progression opportunities.
- Level 6 offers a shorter, practical route into employment.
- Level 7 blends applied learning with academic depth.
- Level 8 provides the most comprehensive education and is often essential for chartered engineer status or postgraduate study. Entry requirements are key: many Level 8 programmes require honours maths, and some may also require physics or another science subject.
Reviewing course structures is important, especially those with a common first year, which allows flexibility before specialising. Choosing a course or programme that is accredited by Engineers Ireland ensures that qualifications will be recognised by industry in Ireland and abroad. Students should also assess course content, specialisations, and the availability of internships or co-op placements. Graduate outcomes, industry connections, and earning potential are strong indicators of quality. Finally, consider the learning environment, support services, location, and lifestyle to ensure a well-rounded university experience.
Here are some helpful websites that provide CAO guidance specifically useful for students interested in engineering programmes in Ireland:
- CAO Official Website
The central hub for all undergraduate applications in Ireland. It includes course listings, application timelines and entry requirements.
- CAO Handbook – Supporting Documents
Offers detailed instructions on what documents are needed, especially for special access routes like DARE/HEAR.
- Missy.ie – Step-by-Step CAO Guide
A student-friendly guide that breaks down the CAO process in simple terms, ideal for first-time applicants.
For engineering-specific advice, it's also helpful to visit Engineers Ireland for Information on accredited programmes and engineering career paths.
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College/University
For students with a passion for problem-solving, creativity, and making a difference, engineering offers a world of opportunity. There are many different routes into a career in engineering, including degree courses, (QQI FET) PLC courses or apprenticeships, or a combination of the three. General engineering courses are an option for students who are unsure which area of engineering they wish to pursue. Many courses offer general engineering for the first year or two, before choosing a speciality in the final years. They can then specialise in a particular area by doing a master’s or another course after their primary degree.
Alternatively, students could begin with an apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience while earning and learning, and then progress to an ordinary degree, and then a master’s. Further education options are flexible and accessible. Whether through full-time study, part-time courses, or work-based learning, students can build their skills at every stage. Each qualification is a stepping stone, and there’s no single pathway.
Most engineering programmes in Irish universities share a common structure, particularly in the first year. This common first year includes core subjects like mathematics, physics, mechanics, computing, and engineering design, giving students a broad foundation across engineering disciplines. After this, students typically specialise in areas such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or biomedical engineering. A common first year offers several benefits: it allows students to make more informed decisions about their specialisation, provides flexibility to switch disciplines without losing time, and fosters collaboration through shared projects and peer learning. This structure ensures students develop both technical knowledge and transferable skills, making them well-prepared for industry or further study.
A list* of Irish universities/colleges and their respective engineering education offerings is provided below:
- Atlantic Technological University (ATU) – Multiple campuses across the west and northwest
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
- Maynooth University (MU)
- Munster Technological University (MTU) – Cork and Kerry campuses
- South East Technological University (SETU) – Waterford and Carlow campuses
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
- Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) – Midlands and Midwest campuses
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University College Cork (UCC)
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- University of Galway (UG)
- University of Limerick (UL)
*Please note, Engineers Ireland accredited programmes offer the best opportunities in terms of mobility, and career progression. A list of Engineers Ireland accredited engineering programmes is available here.
Students can register as Student Members of Engineers Ireland, marking the first step towards professional recognition. Engineers Ireland’s accreditation and membership pathways ensure that university graduates are well-prepared for careers in engineering, both in Ireland and abroad.
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