Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
23. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has examined the opportunities of greater promotion of engineering careers to ensure there is a pivotal pipeline of engineering talent which is necessary to deliver key infrastructure in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is focused on equipping Ireland’s workforce with the skills required to deliver on national infrastructure priorities.
Workers are needed across the construction sector, and engineers will play a critical role in helping Ireland meet its construction targets.
To support this, an alternative delivery model for civil engineering has been developed to entice stronger uptake. Introduced in 2023, the Level 6 and Level 7 civil engineering apprenticeship programmes are designed to meet industry demand and offer new pathways into the profession outside of the traditional higher education entry route.
In tandem, a concerted effort is being made to attract more people into the construction sector - including engineering.
Research by my Department found a lack of knowledge and understanding of the industry and the roles available, a poor perception of the working environment and a belief that construction is not suitable for women.
In response, the Department is implementing the Careers in Construction Action Plan, which aims to minimise barriers, promote career opportunities, and make construction jobs more attractive to women.
Several key education and industry partners – including Engineers Ireland – have collaborated with my Department on updating the Action Plan, with the new plan to be published in the coming weeks.
Among the actions are initiatives including the Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign and a documentary on careers in construction for second-level schools.
Together, these activities reflect a broad range of approaches aimed at encouraging more people into the construction sector and into vital roles such as engineering.
