College Choice/Brian Mooney:A recent salary survey conducted by Engineers Ireland revealed that graduate engineers earn approximately €29,000 during their first year, which can rise to €33,488 in the second year of employment. Demand is high for engineering graduates with job growth of 32 per cent in the ICT sector in 2006.
Subject Requirements
To study engineering at level 8 (honours degree) you need at least a C3 in honours maths and normally at least one science subject - some courses, for example electrical, electronic or computer engineering at DIT, do not require a science subject. This career ladder can lead to the chartered engineer status.
For the student taking Ordinary Level maths, there are still many ways to become an engineer. Indeed, the institutes of technology have introduced many programmes which permit an Ordinary Level maths student to achieve a Level 8 honours degree in only five years.
Progression routes in level 8 engineering degrees
If you want to study engineering at level 6 or 7 (certificate and ordinary degree), you will need a grade D3 or higher in Ordinary or Higher Level maths.
A level 6 qualification will lead to the engineering technician career path, with level 7 leading to the engineering technologist path.
It is also possible to study for a level 8 engineering qualification once you have completed levels 6 and 7.
Level 8 is traditionally a four-year qualification route, while levels 6 and 7 are two and three years respectively.
A one-year level 6 programme, preliminary engineering, leading to entry to DIT level 8 engineering programmes, is also available from DIT, Coláiste Dhúlaigh and Ballyfermot College of Further Education.
Types of engineering programmes There are 11 different disciplines of engineering, offered in Ireland in nine universities and 13 institutes of technology. They include:
Aeronautical
Biomedical
Biosystems, Food and
Agriculture
Building Services
Chemical
Civil
Computer and Software
Electrical
Electronic
Industrial and Manufacturing
Mechanical
Changes in 2007
The Dublin Institute of Technology's faculty of engineering is making a significant change this year.
Traditionally students entered a common engineering programme, DT025, and then chose to specialise in manufacturing and design, mechanical, building services or structural engineering.
This year, students can chose to study a new manufacturing and design (DT023) or mechanical engineering (DT022) programme from year one.
Entry requirements are the same as those for DT025.
Sources of further information
For more information on accredited engineering courses at all levels offered in institutes of technology and universities nationwide check out the "Where to Study" section of www.steps.ie
For a comprehensive guide to careers in engineering, consult the Engineers Ireland steps to engineering website at www.steps.ie
Otherwise, read Prof Gerry Byrne's excellent book, Engineering as a Career from Engineers Ireland. See also the DIT engineering web page www.engzone.ie .
Tomorrow: Careers in building and construction