Region’s biggest employers urge Kilkenny students to choose career in engineering

By COLIN BARTLEY

A NEW industry group formed by some of the biggest employers in the region wants bright young Kilkenny students to consider a career in engineering.

Engineering the South East has been formed to address skills needs, promote careers in engineering and advance engineering in the region.

Some of Kilkenny’s large indigenous industries are involved, such as Glanbia and CDS Architectural Metalwork.

The new group intends to promote careers in engineering, a sector that currently employs almost 50,000 in the region, of which 35,000 are employed in manufacturing and 14,000 in construction. The group said it will address skills gaps by working closely with local education and training providers.

Other major employers in the South East region who have signed up to the project are Burnside Group, Boston Scientific, Integer and Bausch + Lomb.

Engineering the South East has the backing of IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Engineers Ireland and will work collaboratively with Institute of Technology Carlow, Waterford Institute of Technology, the regional Education and Training Boards (WWETB, Kilkenny Carlow ETB and Tipperary ETB) and the various Skillnet Networks.

Michael Carbery of Keenan (Alltech Farming Solutions Ltd) in Borris, Co. Carlow has been appointed Chair of Engineering the South East.

“This initiative has great potential to encourage, engage and support young people in pursuing their career within the engineering industry,” Mr Carbery said.

A steering group of industry representatives will oversee the strategic direction of Engineering the South East with a focus on three main areas: skills; promotion and communications and innovation.