Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Collect historical cost data to estimate costs for current or future products.
• Consult with clients, vendors, personnel in other departments, or construction foremen to discuss and formulate estimates and resolve issues.
• Prepare estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organising, and scheduling work.
• Analyse blueprints and other documentation to prepare time, cost, materials, and labor estimates.
• Confer with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and subcontractors on changes and adjustments to cost estimates.
• Assess cost effectiveness of products, projects or services, tracking actual costs relative to bids as the project develops.
• Prepare estimates for use in selecting vendors or subcontractors.
• Set up cost monitoring and reporting systems and procedures.
• Establish and maintain tendering process, and conduct negotiations.
• Prepare and maintain a directory of suppliers, contractors and subcontractors.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

There are many different options to develop your skills and learning towards a career in logistics or applied estimation and cost engineering in the construction, production & manufacturing sectors.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering operations, technology, manufacturing, quality management, quality assurance, life science, manufacturing operations, manufacturing technician.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: logistics, distribution, engineering, manufacturing operations.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Engineering, Logistics Associate, Logistician, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: logistics, supply chain management, engineering, manufacturing.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, manufacturing, logistics, quality management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard courses logistics, supply chain management, engineering, manufacturing at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport offers certificate and diploma level courses in logistics, supply chain management, and transport operations.

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Engineers Ireland there are many specialist courses available reflecting the different areas of engineering: mechanical, electrical/electronic, aeronautical, chemical automotive, civil, structural, systems, mechatronic control and engineering design.

Engineers Ireland has a list of engineering & technician accredited programmes. 

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €85k

Salaries vary by employer. location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Sigmar / Indeed / Lincoln / Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Design and development engineers; Production and process engineers; Quality control and planning engineers; Quality assurance and regulatory professionals; Environmental health professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly for this occupation between 2018 and 2021, although employment remained unchanged in the most recent time period. Almost three quarters were employed in industry. Despite the static employment levels in 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of employment permits issued between 2021 and 2022 (by 1,100), with the industrial sector accounting for half of the increase. Roles for which permits were issued included quality, process, and design engineers.

This occupation had the highest number of mentions of vacancies that were difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey, especially for quality control/assurance, compliance/regulatory and process engineering roles. Employers (through Skills for Growth and/or Spotlight on Skills) have cited roles in design engineering (with specific industry knowledge), quality control and production engineers as being difficult to fill. Demand continues to be strong for this occupation despite static employment levels and issues with recruiting suitably qualified/experienced candidates for these roles are likely to persist. 

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Construction Industry Federation

  • Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
  • (01) 406 6000
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

  • The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland, 38 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6445500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here