Graduate Level Positions Are On The Increase

Gwen Leyden • August 31, 2021

Over the past few months, we have seen an increase in requirements from our clients to hire recent graduates and those with only with 1-2 years post college experience.

This is a recent change in the marketplace and a clear indication that the shift is a representation of the changing talent landscape.

In what can be described as a job rich market right now, the need to flex requirements by hiring managers is more important that ever to ensure they can meet hiring needs.



Turnaround times in hiring processes have reduced, resulting in job offers being made very quickly in the hiring process as organisations are realising that they need to move swiftly to secure talent quickly.


One of the most buoyant sectors in the Irish economy is within the Technical and Engineering industry where skills shortages continue to be a major concern with 91% of engineering leaders according to Engineers Ireland say this as a barrier to growing their workforce.


The National Skills Bulletin again highlights the growing demand for engineering skills across R&D, construction, climate action and other sectors. Engineering organisations have been increasingly taking initiatives to overcome skills shortages, including investing in upskilling/ reskilling current employees (84% of organisations), offering flexible working options (68%) and collaborating with educational institutions (68%).



Over the next ten years, the in-demand engineering skills will be communication, management, digitalisation and sustainability.

The number of students taking higher level Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects is growing: by 4% at Junior Certificate and by 5% at Leaving Certificate in 2019. Combined with the 8% increase in CAO first preferences for Level 8 engineering-related programmes, this reflects very positively on the Government’s STEM Education Policy Statement.


However, the continuing gender gap requires greater attention and action – in Ireland and internationally. While engineering is the most commonly cited occupation for 15-year-old boys, it does not feature in the top ten for girls.

The requirement for Graduates straight from education is a representation of the talent requirements in this industry and reflects the urgency in sourcing this type of talent into industry.

For more information about graduate opportunities email info@frsrecruitment.com.


DevFest 2025, FRS Recruitment
By Sarah Fitzgerald October 24, 2025
FRS Recruitment is a Gold Sponsor of DevFest Ireland 2025. Join us in Portlaoise for insights on tech careers, hiring trends, and Ireland’s developer community.
By Andrew Farrow October 15, 2025
Over a third of Irish workers didn’t use all their annual leave in 2024, according to FRS Recruitment’s 2025 Annual Leave Report.
A plate with cash tip and a receipt on it; with the words
By Andrew Farrow October 7, 2025
Budget 2026 reduces the food and hospitality VAT rate to 9%, giving Irish SMEs a vital boost and supporting seasonal and temporary jobs nationwide.
temporary staffing solutions
By Sarah Anne Fitzgerald October 1, 2025
Need Christmas staff? FRS Recruitment provides fast, flexible temporary staffing solutions across Ireland for retail, logistics, and more.
Farming jobs abroad
October 1, 2025
Irish farmer Eanna Linnane went from a 30‑cow farm in Galway to leading operations on a 107,000‑cow indoor farm in Saudi Arabia. Read his inspiring story
Temporary Healthcare Recruitment
September 26, 2025
See how FRS Recruitment placed the right Healthcare Assistant with the HSE. Discover fast, compliant, and people-focused temporary healthcare staffing in Ireland
Colin Donnery named on SIA Staffing 100 Europe 2025
By Sarah Anne Fitzgerald September 23, 2025
FRS CEO Colin Donnery is named to the SIA Staffing 100 Europe 2025 list, recognising his leadership in recruitment and workforce innovation.
CORU registration 2025
By Sarah Anne Fitzgerald September 3, 2025
Discover everything Social Care Workers need to know about CORU registration in Ireland before the 1 December 2025 deadline. Learn about Section 91, Section 38, and how FRS Recruitment can support you.
Quantity Surveyors jobs Ireland
By Andrew Farrow August 27, 2025
Ireland is facing a major shortage of Quantity Surveyors. Discover why demand is booming, how much QSs can earn in 2025 (with salary data from FRS Recruitment), and what this means for employers and jobseekers.
Jobs in Cork
By Sarah Anne Fitzgerald August 22, 2025
Explore Cork’s 2025 job market trends with FRS Recruitment. Find top Cork job vacancies, sector insights, and expert hiring support for employers and jobseekers.
More Posts