Construction BUSINESS

79% of engineering employers expect their businesses to grow in 2018, a new Engineers Ireland survey has revealed. The findings indicate that engineering employers are very confident for the year ahead with 82% also planning to hire more engineers. 2017 was also viewed in a positive light by those surveyed, with 60% saying their financial position improved or greatly improved and included job creation over the year.

Welcoming the positive business outlook on growth and jobs expressed by engineering employers, Engineers Ireland Director General, Caroline Spillane said: “It’s extremely encouraging to see the engineering sector remaining robust and optimistic about the future in the face of ongoing Brexit pressures and political uncertainty internationally. Demand for rigorously trained and innovative engineers is buoyant, with their skills fundamental to the country’s economic growth and development.”

The survey also captured some of the challenges facing growth in the sector. Half of engineering employers believe that there is an inadequate supply of engineers with the necessary skills to meet their organisation’s needs in the medium term. Also, 68% of engineering employers believe that Irish planning laws need to change to expedite infrastructure development.

Ms. Spillane continued: “As Ireland works hard to attract international investment, we need to streamline the planning and delivery of critical projects like housing, broadband, data centres and mass public transport. These projects have the potential to boost local economies, create new jobs and facilitate sustainable development. We also need a steady supply of engineers, with the necessary skill sets, to make these projects a reality.”

The Engineers Ireland Employer Survey featured responses from approximately 250 employers in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Employers were drawn from small, medium and large enterprises and from the various disciplines of engineering, including civil/construction, mechanical, manufacturing, energy, life sciences, electrical and electronic.