Despite the difficulties faced by many in the Irish labour market due to the pandemic, the findings of a recruitment agency survey conducted last October on behalf of the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in Solas indicated a demand for skills in sectors such as construction, IT and life sciences.
The SLMRU identified skills shortages in the following areas:
Engineering and technology
Engineering – process, automation, validation, EHS, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, chemical, electrical, maintenance engineers and technicians.
IT – software developers, analysts, designers, engineers, architects, technical support staff.
Construction
Quantity surveyors, civil engineers, site engineers, contract/project managers, BIM, EHS engineers, electrical engineers, precision engineers, quality control engineers and technicians.
Welders, electricians, carpenters (including shuttering), glaziers/fitters, steel erectors/fixers, scaffolders, pipe layers, curtain-wallers, various drivers, ground workers.
Transport and Storage
HGV drivers, forklift drivers, freight forwarders, buyers/planners (junior/mid-management roles), transport managers/engineers, warehouse operatives, customs clearance staff.
Finance
Accountants (tax, financial, cost, revenue, practice), payroll, blockchain engineers.
Other sectors
Health – nurses, GPs, healthcare assistants/ Other – sales roles.
