ESB Chief Executive calls for a renewed focus on engineering in education

Industry in Ireland and across the word is facing a crisis unless bold steps are taken to address the chronic shortage of engineering graduates, ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus has said.

Speaking at the Engineers Ireland Institute conference in Limerick on Thursday, April 17th, Padraig said that all engineering stakeholders, including the energy industry, must back the Government in reinvigorating an interest in the science subjects.

"We must support Government in second level education to rekindle interest among young students who perceive science subjects as being too difficult," he said. "Engineering across the globe appears to have lost its attraction, which is an extremely serious development given the huge challenges facing industry."

There are currently 700 engineers working in ESB. However, if the current decline in the number of electrical engineering graduates continues, it will become increasingly difficult to fill future vacancies.

ESB recently announced a €22 billion investment plan and approximately €11 billion of this will be directed towards renewables. Padraig said it is self-evident that the infrastructural challenges ahead demand significant numbers of electrical engineers.

"The crisis we face lies in the supply of engineers becoming increasingly depleted. It is up to the industry, the Institute of Engineers and other stakeholders to work with Government to ensure a solid stream of engineering graduates is established. We must all focus on second level to engender interest in the faculty."