Gender gap persists

There is a strong gender imbalance when it comes to electronic engineering. There are no bars to entry for women as places on the courses are allocated on the basis of Leaving Cert points.

Professor David Wilcox of NUI Galway says the proportion of women hovers around 10 per cent. "In our experience although there is a small percentage they're disproportionately represented when it comes to the top of the class and getting jobs," he says.

Paul Sliney of Cork IT says the college has worked very hard with the equal opportunities centre - incorporating the New Opportunities for Women programme - and he feels things are beginning to turn around. "Traditionally, 10 per cent of engineering classes are women but in the last 12 months we are beginning to see an increase. The first year B Eng electronics class comprises 25 per cent women."

Peter Lillis, manager of corporate development with the IDA, says the traditional job of the electronics technician - repair and maintenace - is, "in some cases, a nimble fingers job more suited to women than men". Companies are trying to redress the balance but he says a major education and awareness programme is need to convince, in particular, parents and guidance counsellors.