A significant concern within the Irish engineering sector is the ongoing gender imbalance, which is apparent throughout the education system. At the tertiary level, data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in 2024 reveals that approximately 76% of engineering graduates are male, with a similar figure of 74% in information and communication technologies. This disparity highlights the need for continued efforts to address gender inequality in STEM.

At the secondary level, a notable gap remains. In 2023, only 23% of female Leaving Cert candidates chose to study physics or chemistry. While these numbers are slightly improved from previous years, they still reflect a substantial underrepresentation of women in these critical STEM subjects.

Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Recent reforms to the college entry system, which now reward students for undertaking higher-level exams, have started to show positive outcomes. According to the State Examinations Commission, there was a 13% increase in girls taking higher-level physics compared to the previous year, while the number of boys taking the same subject rose by 4%. Similarly, the number of girls pursuing higher-level chemistry increased by 11%, compared to a 5% rise for boys. In biology, girls saw a 7% increase in higher-level participation, with boys increasing by 5.2%.

The landscape is also changing in higher-level maths, where the number of girls now matches that of boys, although boys still tend to achieve higher grades. This parity in participation is a positive sign of progress.

Various initiatives, including Engineers Week, SciFest, the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, and I Wish STEM, are instrumental in encouraging female students to engage with STEM subjects. These programmes actively involve schools and students, highlighting the rewarding and exciting careers that STEM fields can offer.

The government has also ramped up its efforts, investing over €5 million this year to promote STEM education. A recent 10-year plan aims to increase female participation in STEM by 50%, targeting a substantial boost in female engagement from primary through to tertiary education. Efforts are underway to foster an interest in STEM from an early age, with computer coding now introduced at the primary school level and computer science included in the Leaving Cert curriculum.

While the gender imbalance in engineering and STEM fields persists, Ireland is making notable strides towards greater female representation and participation.

To explore the wealth of opportunities within the engineering sector, contact HERO Recruitment at our Galway office on (091) 730022, Cork office on (021) 2066287, or Dublin office on (01) 6190279. Alternatively, reach out via email at info@hero.ie or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.