 Minister Sean Sherlock Applications for third-level courses in computing, science and engineering have shown an increase for the fifth year in a row.
The positive news was welcomed by the Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock yesterday. The news came following the release of a full analysis of all the applications for CAO courses in 2013 by the The Higher Education Authority. Level 8 applications for engineering, computing and science courses now represent 19 per cent of all applications, a four per cent increase since 2009. This level on 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 per cent of this year’s applications. This is an increase of 6 per cent since 2009. Welcoming the report, Minister Sherlock said: “As the Minister of State with responsibility for STEM subjects (science, technology, 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. The minister also acknowledged a shortage of graduates in certain areas and said he would be concentrating on ensuring that there is a pipeline of students with the relevant skills to fill jobs in those areas going forward. Minister Sherlock also spoke about what he called, 'the unemployment crisis' adding that continuing to attract key overseas investment into Ireland remained a priority. The full report is available on the HEA's website- www.hea.ie
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