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Minister Sherlock welcomes increased applications for Computing, Engineering and Science CAO courses
All three areas continue to see significant increases in their shares of first preference applicationsThe Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, T.D., has welcomed confirmation today (Wednesday 17th April) that applications for Engineering, Computing and Science third-level courses are continuing to increase for the fifth year running.
The Higher Education Authority has released an analysis of all applications for CAO courses in 2013.
Level 8 applications for engineering, computing and science courses now represent 19% of all applications, a 4% increase since 2009. This level of the National Framework of Qualifications encompasses higher diplomas and honours bachelor degrees.
Applications for level 6 and 7 courses (advanced and higher certificates and ordinary bachelor degrees) in engineering, science and computing represent 31% of this year’s applications. This is an increase of 6% since 2009.
Welcoming today’s report, Minister Sherlock said, “As the Minister of State with responsibility for STEM subjects, I am very pleased with this news. The year on year increases are encouraging and reflect the Government’s targeted approach to ensuring that we have the right skills and the right people to enter employment in growth areas of the economy.
“We know that there are shortages of graduates in certain areas, and we are concentrating on ensuring that there is a pipeline of students with the relevant skills to fill jobs in these areas in coming years.”
The Minister continued, “Tackling the unemployment crisis and continuing to attract key overseas investment into Ireland remain our priorities. Today’s confirmation that students are thinking with their feet and moving towards CAO courses in the STEM area will help us to secure further inward investment, which will benefit the whole nation.”
The full report is available on the HEA's website- www.hea.ie