Future skills challenges in Ireland
3 April 2025
Minister James Lawless recently launched a report where he set out his vision for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view in full, here – https://lnkd.in/eSqMe4ZD
The Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025 report offers a vital snapshot of both the challenges and opportunities facing Irish businesses as they navigate a rapidly evolving economic landscape. The research confirms what Skillnet Ireland see every day: businesses understand that investment in talent is key to maintaining a competitive edge.
Flotation Energy’s Jane Hennessy, External Communications Lead, spoke on a panel at the launch of Skillnet Ireland’s Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025 report alongside the Department of Further Education, and industry colleagues.
Offshore wind was prominent in the report as an example of how job roles will be redefined in the future, with new roles emerging in clean energy, environmental management, offshore wind, and disciplines that require new skillsets. The findings in the report will inform Skillnet Ireland’s strategic commitment to meet the talent requirements of an increasingly digital future, foster the growth of a low-carbon and sustainable economy through a focus on talent development. The offshore wind sector has already been supported through the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy with new talent initiatives to upskill existing professionals.
Ireland’s highly skilled workforce has long been the foundation of our economic success, and this study underscores the critical importance of continued investment in talent development to sustain our global competitiveness. The study surveyed 500 businesses from across Ireland to assess the emerging trends in upskilling and talent development.
Over 90% of business leaders surveyed consider their economic strength strong or very strong, while three-quarters (76%) of companies said their employees have engaged in some form of upskilling in the past 12 months.
Two-thirds (66%) of SMEs reported that a shortage of skilled workers is a challenge in moving to a more sustainable future for their business, and 98% of larger companies reported a pressing need for climate action and sustainability upskilling.
The report found there is a growing recognition among businesses of the importance of climate action and sustainability expertise, according to the report. Aligned to this recognition, however, is a clear skills shortage of green talent. This green talent shortage is prevalent amongst business leaders, as one-fifth (19%) of those surveyed struggled to source staff with an adequate skillset. Furthermore, one-third (33%) of business leaders surveyed reported that over half of their workforce would require climate action or sustainability supports over the coming years.
Link to report: Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business | Skillnet Ireland