Ms Caroline Spillane:

It is important to encourage young people to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, careers. Within engineering there is a huge demand but not in the traditional areas. People going into engineering are considering life sciences, biomedical engineering etc. There is a definite impact on civil engineers. When we consider all the investment required for infrastructure in the near future, we can see that we will reach a critical point where we will not have the skills available. Engineers Ireland has a region in Australia and New Zealand, members all over the world and a jobs desk. We are constantly communicating with our members, telling them that there are opportunities in Ireland. To come back from abroad, however, engineers need certainty that there will be projects available for them to work on.

Apprenticeships are needed. Industry is crying out for them. They have to be recognised as an important component. They have to sit alongside other professions. The way the Apprenticeship Council works is very positive. There are several engineering related apprenticeships coming on stream which we have supported. It is important for professional bodies, such as Engineers Ireland, to be there for people who go through the apprenticeship route between levels 6 and 9, very highly qualified individuals, to continue their professional development and contribute to the industry. We are very positive about the move to introduce apprenticeships.