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2023 European Year of Skills in Ireland Launched
PUBLISHED 11 MAY 2023
Report launched
Irish Times Training welcomes this week’s publication of the OECD Ireland Skills Strategy Report, as part of the 2023 European Year of Skills in Ireland, as announced by Minister Simon Harris and Minister Niall Collins.
The report reviews Ireland’s existing skills strategy and investigates whether it remains fit for purpose, while also offering specific recommendations for improving Ireland’s skills outcomes.
Policy analysis
Kudos to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, working in partnership with the OECD. The extensive policy analysis and stakeholder engagement on skills issues facing Ireland yielded four policy priority areas:
- Secure balance in skills availability in Ireland through creating a responsive and diversified supply of skills;
- Foster greater participation in lifelong learning, both within and outside of the workplace;
- Strengthen governance across a joined-up skills ecosystem across the country;
- Leverage skills to drive innovation, and strengthen the performance of firms across all business sectors
One startling statistic highlighted by the report is that Ireland is falling behind countries who are on top of up-skilling across the EU by 40%, even though participation here is still above the EU average.
It might not come as a surprise that there is a “significant shortage” in digital skills, including knowledge of software, coding, data analytics, STEM subjects and management, with some 30% of adults having less than basic digital skills.
Future progress & skills development
David Magee, Irish Times Training MD, commented, "The future progress of Ireland's society and economy is underpinned by the talent of our people. Continuous focus on and development of skills will drive our competitive advantage and equip the Irish workforce as they continue to navigate the ever-evolving, complex world of work."
You can read the full report here: https://bit.ly/44Kd2qR