More and more women are taking a career in the engineering sector.

That is according to new research as part of Engineers Week.

The report from HRM Recruit says that while men still out-number women in the profession, the tide is changing with 50% of female respondents under 35 years of age or younger.

The report also found that nearly 40% of all engineers surveyed are with their employers for more than 8 years.

It says this indicates "the durability of an engineering qualification".

'Importance of mathematics'

Of the engineers who got a pay increase in the last 3 years, nearly two-thirds said they were in the 26-35 age group, "showing that young engineers entering the profession have the scope to earn well and advance quickly".

Engineers Week 2013 is a week-long programme of events with the aim of celebrating engineering in Ireland.

It runs until Sunday March 3rd.

Engineers Ireland is one of the largest representative bodies on the island of Ireland, with almost 24,000 engineers.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn attended events in Dublin this morning.

He explains that maths is a hugely important part of this sector, and the overall economy.