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The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) today
published its annual review of employment and skills in Ireland. The
National Skills Bulletin 2009 confirms that while the Irish labour
market took a sharp negative turn in 2008, with all labour market
indicators disimproving, there are still some areas of job opportunity.
Labour Market Overview
The report outlines that job losses were concentrated in
four sectors – construction, manufacturing, hospitality and transport.
Construction suffered the largest decline.
This year's report
outlines for the first time regional employment trends. All regions
except the South East experienced a decline in employment.The greatest
net job losses were recorded in Dublin and Border regions. However,at
greatest risk of unemployment are those living in the Midlands and West.
The
report identifies that the groups at higher risk of unemployment are
males, the under 25s, those with lower levels of education, non-Irish
nationals, residents of the BMW (Border Midlands and West) region,
those employed in construction and services sectors and those employed
as crafts persons (especially, carpenters, bricklayers and plasterers)
and labourers.
The National Skills Strategy, published by the
Expert Group in 2007, set out the need to increase the educational
profile of the Irish labour force if we are to achieve a successful,
high value-added economy. The National Skills Bulletin 2009 finds that
progress has been made towards this goal over the last three years with
the percentage of those with below Leaving Certificate qualifications
shrinking (from 29% in 2005 to 24% in 2008) and the share with honours
degree or above increasing (from 20% in 2005 to 25% in 2008).
Skills Shortages
The extent of skills and labour shortages in Ireland has
fallen with many occupations now in surplus. There are no labour
shortages in Ireland at present. However, despite rising unemployment,
skill shortages have been identified in the specialised high skill
areas of IT,science, sales/marketing, health, accountancy, engineering
and management. Demand is confined to those with third level
qualifications and with specific expertise and experience.For example,
companies are still finding it difficult to source advanced IT system
management skills, experienced engineers for the development and
implementation of lean manufacturing processes and scientific
technicians for development and prototyping of specific medical devices.
Commenting on the launch of the National Skills Bulletin, the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey TD, said:
"The
National Skills Bulletin provides a comprehensive overview of recent
developments in the Irish labour market. It is an invaluable source of
information for policy makers, career guidance advisers and job
seekers.It monitors recent trends in employment and highlights those
areas of the economy that have the potential for significant job
creation in future years. The Government is currently developing a
strategy designed to create more employment opportunities in the
specialised areas associated with research, IT and the green economy.In
pursuance of this strategy, the Government is introducing a number of
measures to facilitate the upskilling of the labour force, with a
particular emphasis on the lower skilled.
"I wish to thank the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs for this excellent report."
Una
Halligan, Chair of the Expert Group, commented "This report provides
valuable insights into key labour market trends and highlights specific
skills shortages. It is those with third level qualifications and with
specific experience that are in demand. Initiatives such as the
recently announced Work Placement Programmes for graduates in
identified strategic areas of focus for the economy, which enhance work
experience, are very welcome.The Expert Group will examine areas of
skills shortage to see what actions can be taken to help meet
employers' recruitment needs," concluded Halligan.
The National
Skills Bulletin 2009 is the fifth annual report by the Expert Group on
Future Skills Needs on skills and occupational trends in Ireland. The
Bulletin provides statistical analysis of the employment data for all
the main occupations in the economy and draws on this data, and other
qualitative information, to identify imbalances in the Irish labour
market at occupational level.The Bulletin is produced by FÁS on behalf
of the Expert Skills Group and draws on the data in the National Skills
Database maintained by FÁS.
A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.skillsireland.ie or www.fas.ie. |
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