Parents need to do more to make secondary school children aware of the importance of mathematics, it has been said.

Engineers Ireland's director general John Power told Tech Central that the value of the subject should be impressed on children from an early age.

He added that it is "disquieting" that the group's survey revealed 55 per cent of Leaving Certificate students said their parents failed to explain the everyday use of maths to them.

The report was released ahead of Engineers Week 2011, which is running from today (February 14th 2011) until Sunday (February 20th).

A number of events are taking place around Ireland in an attempt to promote the value of engineering to young people in the country.

Students and teachers will be able to hear from some of the biggest engineering firms in Ireland and learn about how the subject plays a part in their community.

Mr Power went on to say: "Maths is the bedrock upon which a career in engineering is based but its relevance spans way beyond just the discipline of engineering."

He added that it is "vital" to help young people develop problem-solving skills, budget their finances and manage their time.

Written by Donal Walsh 

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