Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Working Life

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering. Structural engineers deal with the design of framework and foundations for buildings and structures such as bridges, sports stadia, masts, tower blocks and oil platforms. They take into account their strength, shape and function. They make sure that a building or structure is stable and that it can withstand any forces to which it is subjected. This includes 'operational loads' such as people, equipment, machinery and traffic and 'environmental loads' such as snow, wind, water, soil and earthquakes.  
 
Structural engineers are usually part of a design team with other professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, building services engineers and environmental and financial consultants. At the start of a new project, the design team looks at factors such as the environmental impact, cost and function of the structure to decide if and how a project may proceed.  
 
If the project goes ahead, structural engineers prepare documents so that construction companies can bid for the work. Structural engineers then produce detailed designs, which are the working drawings that the contractor uses to build the structure. The process of designing structures involves choosing suitable materials such as steel, concrete, brick, timber and synthetics like plastics. The design is then produced and the engineer makes checks and calculations to make sure that the foundations, roofs and floors are sound. Structural engineers often use computers to analyse structural designs and to produce detailed drawings. They must ensure that designs satisfy a given design which is dedicated to safety and service ability.  
 
When the structure is being built, the structural engineer supervises the building of foundations and frameworks on-site.  
 
Structural Engineers also play a role in designing machinery where structural integration of the item is a matter of safety e.g. aircraft, spacecraft. In recent years reinforcing structures against sabotage has become increasingly important.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
• Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
• Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
• Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
• Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
• Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
• Analyse survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
• Direct or participate in surveying to lay out installations or establish reference points, grades, or elevations to guide construction.
• Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, or labor to determine project feasibility.
• Prepare or present public reports on topics such as bid proposals, deeds, environmental impact statements, or property and right-of-way descriptions.

Further Information

• Structural Engineer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Structural engineer- from: GradIreland

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

 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.

 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.

 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.

The usual route to formal qualification as a structural engineer, is to take a degree in civil or structural engineering, and gain membership of a professional body such as the institution of engineers of Ireland and/or The Institute of Structural Engineers (UK). Most large employers operate a graduate training scheme of Initial Professional Development (IPD) to assist their employees reach chartered status. Once this is attained you are expected to maintain your skills through a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

You need a Master of Engineering degree or a Bachelor of Engineering honours degree in Civil or Structural Engineering to become a Chartered Structural Engineer. Accredited degree programmes are available throughout the country.

However, there is more than one route you can take to achieve an honours degree: the most direct way into engineering is to take an honours degree (level 8) engineering course. You can specialise in the engineering areas you are most interested in from the start of the 4-year course.

It is also possible to take a general course in engineering in year one or two and then choose an area to specialise in for third and fourth year.

A higher leaving cert grade in maths, together with a science subject is normally required for entry to engineering courses. Agricultural science is accepted as a science subject for many programmes, but always check the specific course entry requirements.

It is possible to take a higher certificate course in engineering at an institute of technology without having higher maths or even a science subject in the leaving cert. These are two year courses leading to a level 5/6 qualification as an engineering technician. Specialised technician courses are offered in many colleges for all of the engineering disciplines outlined. You could opt to work as a technician with this qualification or proceed to an ordinary degree (level 7) and then follow on to an honours degree (level 8).

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: pre university engineering, preliminary engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, construction technology, civil 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: pre university engineering, preliminary engineering, civil, mechanical, electronics engineering, construction technology, civil engineering.

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.

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: engineering, mechanical, electrical, electronic, aeronautical, chemical, automotive, civil, structural, systems, mechatronic, control, engineering design.

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, environmental, structural, geotechnical, transport, sustainable energy, engineering, civil, environmental engineering.

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.

• Engineers 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)* €34k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

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

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Mechanical engineers; Electrical engineers; Electronics engineers; Engineering professionals n.e.c.

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

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• 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

• Institute of Civil Engineers

  • 1 Great Georges St, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA
  • Click Here

• Institution of Structural Engineers

  • 11 Upper Belgrave St, London SW1X 8BH
  • +44 (0)20 7235 4535
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here