However, despite this historic milestone, gender imbalance persists in the field of engineering in Ireland today. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 female engineers compared to 5,000 male engineers, highlighting a significant gender gap. This disparity exists even though girls are excelling in STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Recent data from the 2023 Leaving Certificate examinations reveal that while fewer girls pursue STEM subjects compared to boys, those who do perform equally well, if not better, than their male counterparts. The underrepresentation of women in engineering is not due to academic performance but rather a lack of motivation and awareness about the rewarding opportunities available in the field.

Engineering is unique in that it encompasses every stage of the development process, offering a broad range of career paths:

• Civil Engineers: They play a crucial role in the planning and construction of infrastructure projects such as motorways, rail networks, and buildings. Their work allows them to see their projects come to life, facing new challenges each day.

• Software Engineers: At the forefront of innovation, they design security systems, develop software, and create engaging applications. The satisfaction of seeing their designs used across various platforms fuels their passion.

• Environmental Engineers: These professionals address critical issues like energy efficiency, pollution control, and sustainable practices. Their work has a direct impact on public health and environmental conservation.

With the Irish government planning to invest €45 billion over the next five years in capital projects—spanning housing, education, public transport, broadband, and healthcare—the demand for skilled engineers is set to rise. This investment will create numerous opportunities for engineers of all genders, further underlining the importance of a diverse engineering workforce.

Moreover, there is strong demand for qualified engineers to support both multinational companies operating in Ireland and indigenous firms. Engineering disciplines include civil and environmental engineering, computing and communication engineering, energy and power engineering, manufacturing and design engineering, medical and bioengineering, and mechanical engineering.

For more information on the abundant job opportunities in engineering, contact HERO Recruitment Galway at (091) 730022, Cork at (021) 2066287, or Dublin at (01) 6190279. Visit www.hero.ie or connect with HERO Recruitment on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Consider a career in engineering and contribute to shaping a better future for Ireland and beyond.