📘 What You Study

Leaving Cert Engineering focuses on mechanical engineering concepts alongside practical workshop skills. Key study areas include:

• Health & safety in workshops

• Materials science (metals, plastics, corrosion, heat treatment)

• Workshop processes (machining, shaping, joining)

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings

• Mechanisms, tools, and manufacturing technologies

• Basic electronics, hydraulics and pneumatics

• Welding and metal joinery
  

📝 Exam & Project Structure

Assessment has three main parts:

• Written exam (~50%): Standard Leaving Cert paper with questions on theory and problem-solving.

• Project (~25%): A design & make portfolio where you research, plan and document a project.

• Practical exam (~25%): A supervised workshop assessment, making/designing under timed conditions.
  

💼 Career Prospects & Progression

• Apprenticeships (e.g., mechanical fitter, electrician, toolmaker)

• Further study in engineering or technician courses

• Trades such as machining, welding, metal fabrication

• Engineering and manufacturing degrees at third level (with appropriate maths/science subjects)
  The subject helps develop problem-solving, design thinking and workshop practice valued in technical careers.