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.

Training & development pathways

FET centre Traineeship: Engineering operations & technology, Manufacturing, Manufacturing quality management (quality assurance), Life science manufacturing operations, Manufacturing Technician NFQ level 5-6 search FET coursefinder

FET Centre PLC courses Logistics & distribution, Engineering, Manufacturing operations NFQ level 5-6 Search our FET PLC coursefinder

Apprenticeship Engineering, Logistics Associate/Logistician, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager at NFQ level 6-9 search apprenticeships

Higher education CAO entry Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Engineering, manufacturing & engineering at NFQ levels 6-8 search our CAO coursefinder

Springboard courses Logistics & supply chain management, Engineering & Manufacturing at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate courses: Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality management NFQ level 8-10 search post grad courses

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Offers Certificate and Diploma level courses in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Transport Operations.

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. 

Last Updated: November, 2023

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

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

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