Anyone looking for a new opportunity in the engineering space should consider one of the following courses as part of their upskilling process.

While it is an innovative, exciting and dynamic sector, the STEM space and the careers that exist within it demand consistent and up-to-date training in order to ensure professionals are operating at their peak. Upskilling is an essential element of engineering careers and with that in mind, the following courses could be an ideal way for you to stay in the know and ahead of the game. 

Coursera

For those looking for an introductory course to be undertaken flexibly, IBM via Coursera is running a free Introduction to Software Engineering programme. It consists of six modules, is aimed at beginners and can be managed at the learners’ own pace. It also comes with a certificate upon completion of the course.

Also available via Coursera, with free online enrollment, is a 12-week introduction to Systems Engineering Specialisation, offered by the University of Colorado, Boulder. The beginner-level programme can be accessed in eight different languages and aims to teach the fundamentals, methods, practices and processes of industry-standard systems engineering.

Coursera also offers a range of courses designed for more advanced learners. For example, a Microsoft AI & ML Engineering Professional Certificate. The free six-month programme aims to prepare students and professionals for a career in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Coursera itself also has a free four-week Deep Learning Engineering Specialisation course for advanced students. 

Further Education and PLC

For students based in Louth, looking to earn their level five qualifications, there is a Further Education and PLC, level five QQI course in Engineering Technology. The programme is said to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to gain employment, access apprenticeship programmes and progress to further study in universities and institutes of technology. Successful graduates will have the opportunity to find employment in areas such as engineering machine operations, civil engineering, electrical engineering and advanced manufacturing, alongside others. 

In Dunboyne, Meath there is a year-long level five Engineering Technology course open to prospective students looking towards future education. It is a pre-university engineering course designed to to prepare the student for work in the field of engineering via entry into a third-level institution. Students who graduate from this course can pursue further study at degree level and will be well placed to gain apprenticeships in the many different engineering sectors through Generation Apprenticeship Ireland. There are a range of level five opportunities available nationwide, so be sure to find one that is convenient. 

South East Technological University

South East Technological University (SETU) has dozens of opportunities for engineering students and professionals, to fit a range of lifestyles and ambitions. Courses for those looking for their bachelor’s degree include standard four-year programmes in areas such as agricultural systems engineering, electronic engineering, aerospace engineering and automation engineering, among others. 

For more established students, there are also several one-year master’s degrees, such as the Master of Science in Engineering Research and Innovation and Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering. Different courses will have unique requirements, commitments and prices, so make sure to read up on your chosen course first. 

Udemy

Educational platform Udemy has a free Engineering Mechanics Fundamentals to Proficiency course, which can be undertaken at the learners convenience online. The programme is aimed at beginners, covers a range of topics such as foundational mechanics and principles and will require an understanding of basic maths and physics. Udemy has dozens of free and paid options, to suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles, including, The Complete Full Stack AI Engineering Bootcamp, Site Reliability Engineering and The Complete Mechanical Engineering Course, which claims to offer 12 courses in one. 

Whether you are a complete novice, an enthusiast, a graduate or an established professional, there is really no incorrect way to engage with learning, provided you have a clear idea of what it is you hope to achieve from the experience. So make sure to do your research, identify your weaknesses and shop around for the course or learning materials that match your ambitions and available resources. 

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