Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   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.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   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.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Identify opportunities to improve the operation, maintenance, or energy efficiency of building or process systems.
• Identify and prioritise energy-saving measures.
• Analyse technical feasibility of energy-saving measures, using knowledge of engineering, energy production, energy use, construction, maintenance, system operation, or process systems.
• Inspect or evaluate building envelopes, mechanical systems, electrical systems, or process systems to determine the energy consumption of each system.
• Identify any health or safety issues related to planned weatherisation projects.
• Prepare audit reports containing energy analysis results or recommendations for energy cost savings.
• Inspect newly installed energy-efficient equipment to ensure that it was installed properly and is performing according to specifications.
• Collect and analyse field data related to energy usage.
• Perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks.
• Calculate potential for energy savings.

Further Information

• Commercial Energy Assessor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Domestic Energy Assessor- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Energy consultant- 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.

 Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

There are many pathways you may explore to develop towards a career working in energy operations.

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

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, maintenance 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: renewable energy technology and control systems, engineering, engineering technology, pre-apprenticeship.

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, Electrical, Lean Sigma.

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, electrical engineering, energy, sustainable energy engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable energy.

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, management.

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)* €45k - €95k

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

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ CPL / Morgan McKinley/ Excel / Azon/ Clark/ WEI

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Production managers and directors in manufacturing.

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

Employment numbers in this occupation have grown strongly since 2020, with an additional 8,300 persons employed. Employment permits were issued across a number of managerial roles in manufacturing.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data point to issues in sourcing production managers, often with mechanical engineering, GMP, health & safety, and project management (including Lean processes) skills. Issues in relation to sourcing candidates with specific skills sets and industry experience have been identified and may result in future shortages if employment continues to rise.

• Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

  • Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 808 2002
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here