Engineering Skillnet launched to bridge skills gap and support the growing engineering sector

Skillnet Ireland and the Ibec Engineering Network have launched a new Engineering Skillnet Business Network to meet the skills needs of the engineering sector – employing 46,000 people across 1,200 businesses. The Engineering Skillnet represents both FDI multinationals and home-grown businesses which serve a broad range of industries such as automotive, aviation, energy and environment, construction, agriculture as well as the sub supply sectors.

This new Network will tackle an increasingly acute skills shortage in the engineering sector, with a recent Ibec Engineering Network Skills Survey revealing more than 83% of firms are facing skills shortages. Programmes in areas such as critical thinking, climate change technologies and robotic welding will support engineers to develop the fundamental skills needed in this rapidly evolving sector.

With the new Engineering Skillnet partnering with Electrical Industries Federation of Ireland and Irish Association of Steel Fabricators, companies will benefit from industry-led training to develop world-class talent to help the sector achieve its potential by keeping pace with ongoing technological advancements and a changing regulatory environment.

Speaking at the launch, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, Paul Healy said: “More than 90% of engineering leaders have reported skills shortages as a barrier to growing their workforce. We’re delighted to partner with Ibec Engineering Network to launch the new Engineering Skillnet Business Network, which will play a pivotal role in addressing this skills shortage and supporting the growth and competitiveness of Irish businesses in this vital sector.”

Ibec Engineering Network Manager Pauline O’Flanagan added: “The engineered products and sub supply sector is growing, with exports of €8 billion annually. Our vision is to build on this success by enhancing Ireland’s dynamic engineering hub to help companies collaborate with access to world class research centres and business supports to innovate and grow. To drive this we need the right talent.”

To find out more about the Engineering Skillnet, visit www.ibec.ie/engineeringskillnet.