1 July 2010
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has identified a range of current and likely future demand in Ireland for science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
Some of these skills are sector or occupation-specific, while others are more generic and required across sectors.
Medical devices sector
Research indicates a strong demand for those with an understanding of design engineering, good management practices, quality assurance, and understanding of regulatory affairs.
Biopharmaceutical sector
This sector has a demand for organic chemists and those who can combine business, clinical and engineering skills.
In some manufacturing sectors such as food or medical devices, there is a shortage of process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles for production processes.
ICT sector
The EGFSN says the ICT sector in Ireland has moved to higher value activities, with a continuing strong demand for software engineers, computer analysts and programmers. ICT companies identified a particular demand for people with very high levels of engineering skills.
Many also identified an important need for more people with combinations of both technical and business skills.
Convergence of technologies
In some areas there is an increasing convergence of IT, biotechnology, nanotechnology and cognitive science.
This is creating many new business opportunities for Ireland, such as web services, enterprise software, personalised medicine, financial services, smart materials and medical devices.
There are opportunities for qualified engineers particularly in key sectors such as:
- ICT
- Biotechnology sensor technology
- Robotics
- Integrated electronics
- Telecommunications and internet
- Financial engineering
- Imaging
- Genetic technology
- Nanotechnology
This is resulting in a demand for hybrid engineers and technologists with backgrounds in science, IT, nanotechnology and cognitive science.
ICT skills feature in most interdisciplinary convergence processes (e.g. business and IT; finance and IT; biotechnology, nanotechnology and IT).
Renewable energy
Science and engineering graduates will be increasingly in demand in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy which is set to become one of the key growth sectors of the economy.
Demand is likely to increase at technician and professional level, combining new technologies and interdisciplinary backgrounds such as science/engineering/business.
Advances in areas such as renewable energy, water treatment and waste may require completely new skills and expertise, from research through to operation/production functions. In addition, with the commitment to the development of the “Green Economy”, there may also be opportunities for workers who relied on the traditional construction sector for many years towards areas of work such as, for example, in energy efficient systems design, installation, repair and maintenance.
Engineering skills
There is a strong demand for design engineers, particularly in R&D in the medical devices sector – especially individuals with experience and/or industry specific knowledge such as process automation design.
In a number of manufacturing sub-sectors such as food processing or medical devices, there is a demand for process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles to production processes.
As is the case for science graduates, engineers, especially electronic, electrical, quality control, and design and development, are in demand in the renewable energy sector (e.g. wind, wave and tidal), which is expected to be one of the drivers of future growth.
Ecology and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important, creating new career opportunities for environmental engineers with expertise in the management of ecosystems.
Mathematics
The proficiency level of students in mathematics is a key factor influencing the domestic supply of graduates for sectors with growth potential such as ICT, life sciences and business, financial and professional services.
