Month: August 2014

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RV Celtic Voyager off Cork with AIT’s MECI Students

Recently students partook in a offshore seabed survey on RV Celtic Voyager off Cork supported by Infomar, NUIG and SmartBay. See how they got on pictures here.

Part of the Masters programme students undertake an offshore seabed survey, whilst on a Marine Institute vessel off the Irish coast. 

The students are instructed and participate in the following multi-disciplinary areas including: oceanography, benthic ecology and geophysics. 

Download MECI brochure for more information. 

 

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Urgent need to promote careers in engineering and construction.

There is an urgent need to promote careers in engineering and construction amongst students entering third-level courses as demand outstrips supply, according to Engineers Ireland and leading recruitment expert Hays. The comments come following the allocation of college places published today by the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Analysis carried out by Hays and Engineers Ireland has found that while there is an increased demand for engineers and other construction specialists, there is also a shortage of available and suitable candidates. Equally, the numbers pursuing construction courses at third level is insufficient to meet industry demands in the coming years.

Hays recorded a 93% increase in the number of construction and property jobs on offer during the first six months of 2014, when compared with the same period last year.

Unsurprisingly, Leinster is experiencing the greatest growth in new construction jobs with a 143% increase in those available and a 30% increase outside of Leinster. Salaries in the sector are increasing but also at a much faster rate in Dublin than is the case nationally.

According to Hays, engineering companies are currently seeking to recruit and expand their work force, with mechanical and electrical engineers/project managers particularly in demand. Recruitment by main building contractors, civil & structural consultancies and architectural firms is also beginning to pick up.

Hays also points to a shortage of particular types of candidates for construction projects and engineers at a mid-level in their careers.

Not only is there is a shortage of suitable candidates for the positions available, but Engineers Ireland has also warned of an ongoing shortage of engineers graduates in the years ahead, despite the current strong demand for these graduates. Engineers Ireland pointed to the fact that during this academic year [2013/2014] only 62 construction engineers will graduate. This compares to several hundred in 2007.

John Power, Chartered Engineer and Director General of Engineers Ireland, stated: “For many years the numbers of students opting for civil and construction engineering careers fell significantly, which is not surprising given the collapse of the property market. At that time, many engineers in the construction sector went to work on overseas projects or moved into non-construction areas of engineering in Ireland, such as the energy and environment industry.

“According to the recent ESRI figures, we need 90,000 more homes over the next seven years or 12,500 additional houses per annum up to 2021. There will also be a significant demand for commercial property in the years ahead.

“Therefore, in the week that thousands of students will receive their CAO offers for third-level education, Engineers Ireland would encourage them to think seriously about a career in engineering and construction. Equally for students about to enter Leaving Cert year, they should explore the industry over the coming months and inform themselves on whether it is a career option for them.

“It is important that the message gets out that there are current and future job opportunities in the engineering and broader construction and property sectors,” added John.

Niall Toland, Business Director, Hays Construction & Property, noted: “Increased activity in the construction and property sector is now a reality, particularly in the Dublin and Leinster region.

“2014 has seen a major increase in construction activity within the industrial sector. There has been a lot of refurbishment and extension work carried out and the demand for commercial and residential property is now growing strongly. Ensuring that we have the qualified professionals on the ground to drive this development is just one part of the jigsaw, but a very critical one.

“Ireland needs construction professionals at all levels, from graduate engineers to senior project managers. The solution to tackling the current deficit of qualified candidates must come from multiple sources, including encouraging students to pursue careers in the industry, attracting workers back to Ireland, upskilling and retraining existing workers.

“We need a more joined up approach amongst all stakeholders – industry representatives, government, the recruitment sector and state agencies – to develop initiatives to ensure the correct balance is achieved between our construction demand and the supply of qualified professionals,” added Niall.

Source: Engineers Ireland

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Demand is still high for engineering courses

 

Mechanical and Polymer Engineering.

Points for engineering, architecture, construction studies, business and law also rose across a range of universities and institutes of technology.

The rise in points for technology-related courses is linked to the record number of Leaving Cert students who got 25 points this year for passing higher level maths.

Other initiatives such as project maths, investment in science education and the provision of extra course places in technology disciplines have been credited by higher education institutions with pushing up demand.

Points for engineering courses rose: by 5 to 280 Software Design, Mechanical and Polymer Engineering 315.

Source: Irish Times

 

 

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Concern over shortage of construction experts

Engineers Ireland has warned ofAthlone IT an ongoing shortage of engineering graduates. 

The study found that while there is an increase demand for engineers and other construction specialists, there is a shortage of available and suitable candidates. 

There is an insufficient number of people pursing construction courses at third level. 

According to Hays, the number of construction and property jobs on offer between January and June rose 93% compared with the same period last year. 

Mechanical and electrical engineers and project managers are most in demand. 

Engineers Ireland has warned of an ongoing shortage of engineering graduates over the coming years, with just 62 construction engineers graduating this year. 

Engineers Ireland says the increased focus on mathematics in schools is a contributing factor to the higher uptake in construction-related courses at third-level. 

Speaking on RTE’s News at One, the Membership Director & Registrar of Engineers Ireland, Damien Owens, said students now believe courses such as architecture and engineering courses are now more attainable. 

“The students themselves are much more confident because of the increased attention and importance given to mathematics “

“An unprecedented number of students took higher level maths, almost 14,000 students, double the figure two years ago”

Mr Owens said universities and college have changed their course structures to allow for a more gradual transition to third level. 

He also added that an increasing number of jobs are becoming available in construction and environmental engineering and the bio-medical and ICT sectors are particularly buoyant. 

 

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BS.c. in Sustainable Construction

On this course you will learn about the methods of sustainable construction, costing and planning associated with sustainable design projects.

You will also study how to choose appropriate sustainable/renewable energy sources to provide a low carbon emission dwelling; as well as planning and managing new and renovation sustainable dwelling projects.

The course will enable you to gain the academic and scientific capability necessary to make a significant contribution to sustainable construction and to create an awareness of environmental considerations.

Minimum Entry Requirements:

Higher Certificate in Science in Construction Studies (Level 6).

Modules:

Year 3

Renewable Energy SystemsAthlone IT

Sustainable Development

Building Inspection & Defect Analysis

Construction Management & Costing

Sustainable Design

Project

Energy Conservation & Rating

Building Services

Progression:

As a graduate of this programme you are eligible to apply for an honours degree in a cognate area.

Career Opportunities:

Employment opportunities for graduates occur principally in the private sector e.g. sustainable building contractors and build environment professional consultancies.

The general nature of the course helps to ensure a wide range of job opportunities, including employment with building contractors, architects, quantity surveyors and local authorities.

Opportunities are many and varied and could involve the preparation of drawings and specifications, surveying and setting out on site or the technical sales area dealing with equipment or the supply of specialist materials.

Additional Information:

Click here, download form, fill out and send to:

Admissions Office,

Athlone Institute of Technology

Dublin Road, Athlone

Co. Westmeath

admissions@ait.ie

For further information feel free to call the course coordinator Fergal Sweeney on

Tel + 353 (0)90 646 8154 or email fsweeney@ait.ie

 
 
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BS.c. (Hons) in Energy and Business Management

energy and business managementThe course is a one-year add-on programme leading totheaward of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Energy and Business Management (level 8) (worth 60 ECTS credits).

A minimum HETAC level 7 qualification in Construction Studies, Architectural Studies, Civil Engineering, Mechanical, building services or equivalent related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may apply to
 be assessed for eligibility via the AIT PRL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

The programme will be delivered part time two days per week (provisionally set as all day Thursday and Friday. These days will be confirmed in late August 2014) for Semester 1 & 2 (September 2014 – May 2015). This will be supplemented with online classes on the other 3 days (provisionally set as Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday). During Semester 3 (June – August 2015) the students will carry out a capstone work based project through an industrial placement programme.

The course is a one-year add-on programme leading to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Energy and Business Management (level 8) (worth 60 ECTS credits)

A minimum HETAC level 7 qualification in Construction Studies, Architectural Studies, Civil Engineering, mechanical, building services   or equivalent related discipline. Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may apply to be assessed for eligibility via the AIT PRL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

Modules:

SEMESTER 1 (Sept 14 – Dec 14)

Project Management (5 Credits)

Project Management: Project Management methodologies e.g. PMBOK; Key Concepts; Project initiation; Project scope management; Project time, cost and quality management; Project risk, human resources, communication and procurement management; Executing, monitoring and controlling; Closing the project.

Life Cycle Costing:  Life Cycle Costing Techniques, Object & Method, Applications, Major Issues.

Valuation of Property: Methods of Valuation including Comparison Method, Residual Method, Contractor’s Method, Profits Method and Investment Method.

Project Cost Control: Cost Implications of Design Variables and QA; Functional Requirements and Cost Implications of Constructional Methods; The Influence of Site and Market Conditions; Cost Planning Theories and Techniques.

Environmental Science & Technology (5 Credits)

International environmental policy legislation: How policy affects/ influences building, energy and services design; review of EU and international directives and policies; EU products directive (EBPD) and others e.g. the EU regulatory framework for Chemicals – registration, evaluation, authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). British Standards v Irish.

Introduction to Environmental/ Energy Assessment Methods: An overview of the requirements; standard methodology for the assessments; comparison of the energy performance/rating of building types; advantages and disadvantages; evaluation criteria. Carbon reduction in buildings.

Env. Science in building (building fabric): Introduction to the principles of light, energy, heat transfer, sound and air control; their application in the built environment.

Materials Analysis and specification. Criteria for the selection of building materials based on environmental performance, green credentials, construction approaches, materials science, LCA. Selection of materials; embodied energy; U-value, thermal bridging, interstitial condensation.

Intro to BIM & Energy Analysis: Overview of BIM; parametric relationships; creating 3D models in Revit; basic modelling techniques. Perform an energy analysis of a commercial building using current software programmes.

Business & Marketing (5 Credits)

  • Managing in organisations, classical and modern approaches to management, managing in an entrepreneurial context, managing for competitive advantage
  • Functions of management, Management skills, Creating and managing change, Management of resources and operational processes, managing for Total Quality

Entrepreneurship

  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation Process
  • Entrepreneur and Manager
  • Business Ideas/Opportunities and Commercialization in domestic and international markets

Strategic Planning

  • Strategy Formulation and Strategy Implementation
  • Implications of business strategy for managing and developing the business
  • Growth and consolidation conflicts

Product and Service Marketing

  • Goods and Services- market research, customer and competitor analysis, trend analysis, gaining market share and achieving profitability
  • Product Life Cycle
  • Developing and commercializing new product ideas
  • Marketing a business and a new product –market research, customer segmentation, developing a marketing plan, selling and marketing products and services
  • International marketing

Managing Business Functions

  • Resource Management-People, systems and processes
  • Financial management and control
  • Managing Change
  • Managing Growth
  • Decision making and problem solving

Business Planning

  • Formulating, validating and applying a business plan for a new business idea/managing an existing business
  • Identifying and accessing business support agencies to assist in developing domestic and international market opportunities

Energy Auditing (5 Credits)

Energy Management: The need for and value of energy management to an organisation; the benefits of energy management; energy consumption and end use in buildings

Introduction to Energy Auditing: Energy audit basics, types of energy audit, the audit process, the audit report

Energy Accounting and Analysis: Analysis of energy bills, energy savings opportunities with bill analysis, energy use index, identifying energy conservation measures.

Survey Instrumentation: Survey Instrumentation; Data loggers; Lux meters; Temperature & humidity meters, Combustion gas analysers, Power analysers.

Conducting a building services audit: electrical system types, lighting systems, automation and controls, Air conditioning & refrigeration, Boilers, physical plant audit, iSBEM, BEMS & Regression analysis software.

Energy Analysis, Monitoring, Targeting and Waste Avoidance: Energy analysis techniques; normalized performance indicators, time dependent energy analysis, regression analysis, CUSUM; The concept of monitoring and targeting, reporting techniques, waste avoidance.

SEMESTER 2 (Jan 14 – May 14)

Energy Management (5 Credits)

Energy Management Implementation: Key Steps: Designing an energy management program; key elements; planning and resourcing an EM programme, reviewing performance. Review of SEAI’s Energy Map programme, Strategic Energy Management -International Energy Management Standards, Payback.

Energy Management – People Aspects: achieving goals, energy awareness campaigns, training.

Energy efficiency and maintenance: Implementing an effective operation & maintenance programme for energy efficiency for significant energy users, incorporate design & procurement guidelines for same.

Energy management systems: In depth study of ISO 50001

Environmental Design (5 Credits)

Space planning – ergonomic design principles, building regulations in commercial settings. Fit-out design and space management; interior material selection. Using BIM for design solutions.

Building Maintenance & Upgrade: issues relating to maintenance and upgrading of existing buildings and ways to implement best practice sustainable design alongside internationally recognized best practice conservation principles; incorporating building regulation compliance; recycling materials; sustainable reuse; disassembly techniques; building design relating to optimum environmental choices.

Healthy Buildings: ‘sick building’ syndrome (SBS), how finishes, natural ventilation, air quality, sun and day lighting and thermal comfort affect can improve SBS through design;  ways to enhance building performance; user requirements, passive design strategies and low energy building design.

BIM & ICT (5 Credits)

BIM: Manage views and create callouts, families, creating and modifying 3D views; 2D integration; create schedules, legends; Importing and exporting drawings and data. Review of other BIM software for integration/ co-ordination.

CV/ Portfolio: presentation techniques for brochure development;  printing techniques; linking drawings with CV; seeking accreditation for software use; updating old drawings; presenting the building model – drawings sheets, managing revisions, printing.

Facility Management & Law (5 Credits)

Property Law: Property Law in general freehold estates, leasehold interests, co-ownerships, easements, rent restrictions and residential properties.

Law of Contract: The formation of contracts.  Discharge of contracts.  Remedies for breach of contract. Validation of the contract. Privity. Enforceability. Warranties. Exclusion Clauses. Discharge of contractual obligations, formalities, conditions and warranties, assignment of rights; Public & Private Forms of Contract.

Law of Torts: Defamation, economic torts, Occupier Liability. Employer’s liability.  Nature of tortuous liability.  Trespass, nuisance, negligence and damages. Liability for defective products.

Facilities Management: Organization and management. Facilities management skills. Professional practice. Total quality management. Value management. Risk management. Building performance. Environmental management. Information management. Support services. Project management.

SEMESTER 3 (June 14 – Aug 14)

Work Based Project through Industrial Placement (20 Credits)

The proposed programme is designed to address the issue of Efficient Energy use & Management as outlined in the EGFSN guide on current and future skills needs.

It targets both the energy analysis in the commercial sector and the more generic “soft” skills needs identified in section 4 of the report.

Typical work responsibilities:

  • Manage, audit and review the energy use in both new and existing commercial and industrial buildings
  • Apply green design principles regarding material choice for construction and fit-out in areas such as VOC’s, lifecycle analysis, recyclability and embodied energy
  • Manage on-site facilities from a construction, personnel, contract and energy perspective
  • Assess the scope for energy savings and the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives on both a domestic and commercial scale
  • Identify and prioritise opportunities for environmental improvements within the work place and improve the well-being of the occupants
  • Effectively use BIM to develop construction data, schedules and energy simulation models
  • Lead a team to effectively and efficiently manage energy upgrading of an existing property from both a legislative and cost point of view
  • Lead a sales/ marketing team for initial scoping of potential work opportunities in the energy market

Areas of Potential Employment:

  • Role of Energy manager within a corporate structure
  • Role of Energy auditor of various building types
  • Role of property/ facilities/ project manager
  • BIM technician/ drafter

Click here to apply to this course. 

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First round offers for Engineering – Athlone IT

Points Required for Entry to Level 8 Courses 2014

AL820  Mechanical and Polymer Engineering – 315

AL801  Software Design (Common Entry) – 280

Points Required for Entry to Level 7/6 Courses 2014

AL601 Electronics and Computer Engineering – 185

AL602 Mechanical Engineering – 180

AL604 Civil Engineering – AQA

AL701 Engineering Informatics (Electronics & Wireless/Networks/Computer Eng) – 195

AL710 Mechanical Engineering –185

AL711 Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energy – 180

AL712 Mechatronics – 180

AL721 Civil Engineering – AQA

Click here for full details on courses.

 

 

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Masters Eng in Energy and Communications Infrastructure.

This innovative Master of Engineering programme is positioned within the on-shore and off-shore infrastructure sectors, specifically focusing on the energy and telecommunications domains. The demand for this skill-set is driven by the global growth of new energy sources and technologies and their associated infrastructural challenges. Employers in both the telecommunications and energy sectors are seeking graduates with these skills.

This main themes that the programme addresses are infrastructural planning and regulation; geotechnical, structural and pipeline design; economics and project management; subsea telecommunications and electrical power distribution. The programme comprises of eight modules and a dissertation.

Students will have the opportunity to design and undertake an offshore seabed survey, whilst on a Marine Institute Vessel off the Irish coast. The Students will be instructed and take part in the following multi-disciplinary areas including: oceanography, benthic ecology and geophysics.

This programme has a thesis component, it will be offered as a one year full-time programme and will be delivered through blended learning, which is a mix of classroom and online delivery.

Modules:MECI AIT

  • Energy Economics
  • Offshore Structures
  • Pipeline Design & Installation
  • Offshore Project Management
  • Geo-technical Investigation and Civil Works
  • Communications and Electrical Generation & Distribution Systems
  • Planning & Regulations
  • Thesis

NFQ level: 9

Duration: 15 months

Minimum entry requirements:

Applications will be considered from level 8 honours graduates in engineering, environmental science or cognate disciplines. Those that do not have the requisite academic qualifications may gain entry to the programme via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with institute’s policies.

Application to:

Click here, download form, fill out and send to:

Admissions Office,

Athlone Institute of Technology

Dublin Road, Athlone

Co. Westmeath.

admissions@ait.ie

Also, for further information on possible supports see the following link: http://www.susi.ie/What-type-of-funding-could-I-receive-/Postgraduate-Students.aspx

For further information feel free to call Alan Duffy on Tel + 353 (0) 86 826 5672 or email aduffy@ait.ie

Full details can be found here.