State’s major building projects threatened by shortage of engineers

A SHARP fall in civil and building engineering graduates over the last five years could undermine the delivery of key Government projects, it has been warned.

A new report finds that 6,000 engineers will be needed to fill jobs in the next year – and just 13pc of graduates are women.

It says a 55pc drop in civil and building engineering graduates over the last five years is a particular cause of concern.

The shortages have the potential to undermine the delivery of the National Development Plan 2018-2027 and Project Ireland 2040, according to the annual Engineers Ireland report.

Project Ireland includes a 10-year €115bn programme to upgrade the State’s roads and public transport, and address housing, health and educational needs to keep pace with population growth.

The new report, to be launched by Education and Skills Minister Joe McHugh today, finds the demand for engineers is enormous and civil and building engineers are most in demand.

But there is a massive gender gap in the industry as just one in 10 of last year’s graduates is female.

Prospects for earnings in the industry appear good, with graduates earning 21pc, or €5,000, more than five years ago. Starting salaries are in the region of €33,750 a year.

‘Engineering 2019: A barometer of the profession in Ireland’ finds the supply of third-level engineering graduates and professional apprentices is not enough to meet the needs of the growing economy.

However, the industry is upbeat in the face of Brexit.

Over three-quarters of employers’ financial position improved last year and most expect this to continue next year, despite the uncertainty.

Engineers Ireland has reached agreements with its counterparts in the UK to ensure that engineers can work across jurisdictions.

But most employers believe a shortage of experienced engineers may stunt their growth and almost half predict this will worsen next year.