Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Working Life

Metallurgists are experts on the structure, production and use of metals. They may specialise in chemical/extract, physical or process/mechanical metallurgy.  
 
Chemical/Extractive metallurgists extract metals from ore. They may also recycle scrap metal from obsolete products.  
 
Physical metallurgists test the reaction of metals to different conditions, including temperature and stress. In many industries, high performance metals are vital; metals used in the aircraft industry must be strong, light and reliable. Metallurgists test metals for corrosion, and signs of weakness caused by the cumulative effects of stress (metal fatigue). A metal may be subjected to very high temperatures, and X-rays used to see if the metal has altered internally.  
 
Process/Mechanical metallurgists control shaping methods like casting, and joining processes, like welding and soldering. The metal industries use sophisticated technology. In manufacturing, computers monitor production, identify faults and produce test results. Metallurgists can use lasers to cut through metals.  
 
Metallurgists play an important role in research and development, helping metal industries to meet customers' demands. For example, 70% of the steels used in cars did not exist ten years ago. Metallurgists have developed the new steels to provide the car industry with lighter and stronger materials.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
• Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
• Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
• Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
• Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
• Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
• Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
• Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
• Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
• Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.

Further Information

• Metallurgist- from: GradIreland

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

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

You usually need a degree in Metallurgy to enter this career. It is possible to combine metallurgy with materials science and engineering. The I.T.s and universities around the country provide a number of relevant courses.  
 
Minerals/mining engineers normally complete an appropriate engineering degree. There are specialist degrees in minerals and mining engineering. You can also enter this field with a degree in another engineering discipline, including chemical, mechanical and geological engineering, and metallurgy.  

To gain professionally recognised qualifications, you need to complete a relevant foundation degree course and then undertake a period of training in employment. There are a limited number of courses countrywide that are particularly relevant to minerals/mining surveying.  

The B.Sc in Geomatics has been accredited by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI/RICS), the Irish Institution of Surveyors (IIS), the Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) and the Construction Industry Board, UK. Graduates of the course are eligible to become corporate members of these professional bodies.

Most professional geophysicists are graduates. A combined degree in geology and physics, or a degree containing significant amounts of geology, maths and physics, may be acceptable. Many posts will require a good second class honours degree. It is often desirable but not essential to obtain higher degrees, e.g. Master's degree in Geophysics.

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: applied sciences, general engineering.

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:

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, Geo-Driller, Principal Engineer.

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: geography and geoscience, biological, earth and environmental sciences, science, mathematical, physical and geological sciences, geographic science, geology and physics, maths and physics.

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: geoinformatics, environmental geology, geology, applied environmental geology, offshore environmental geology, earth sciences, research, exploration field geology.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

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.

• Geological Society of Ireland 
• Society Of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

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 - €60k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Sigmar

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Smiths and forge workers; farriers; core makers (metal trades); moulders (metal trades); die casters; sheet metal workers; sheet metal fabricators; panel beaters (metal trades); welders; fabricators/welders; welding technicians; Metal plate workers, Pipe fitters; and riveters

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

Despite declines in 2020 and 2021, the five-year annual average employment growth was strong (6%), with employment levels for this occupational group reaching their highest levels to date. The demand for welders has persisted, with employers (Skills for Growth) and the Recruitment Agency Survey both citing welding positions as difficult to fill, typically for roles requiring MIG/TIG and arc welding skills or for the machinery manufacturing sector. Job vacancies advertised through the DSP included welder/fabricators, pipefitters, and sheet metal workers/fabricators, while online job adverts, although small in number, grew by 16% year-on-year, driven by increases for sheet metal workers. Employment permits related to welders/fabricators, pipe fitters and, to a lesser extent, sheet metal workers.

Output from the further education and training system has increased in recent years: compared to pre-COVID levels (in 2019), the number of industry and craft awards in welding and metal fabrication grew by 388 and 77 awards, to reach nearly 1,600 and 145 awards respectively. Smaller numbers of awards were made to qualifying apprentices in pipefitting and sheet metal working (combined 38 awards in 2022).

Recent growth in the number of new apprentice registrations in metal fabrication, pipefitting and sheet metal working are expected to lead to further increased output for these occupations in the medium term. The SOC classification system does not capture the extent of the merging of skills in these roles; welder, fabricator and even pipe fitter skills are merging which span both this and the occupation below. Although welders are employed across sectors, shortages are particularly emerging for qualified and experienced welders/fabricators in industry including high tech.

• Engineers Ireland

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

• Skillsnets manufacturing Sector

  • 5th Floor, Q House, Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, Ireland, D18 E268
  • 01 2079630
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here