Research Report
Boosting Medtech, Manufacturing Engineers and Finance talent to drive Jobs Growth in the West Region
The aim of this study is to boost Medtech, Manufacturing Engineers and Finance Talent to drive job growth in the West region. It recommends practical proposals aimed at addressing identified skills gaps including through upskilling/ reskilling, education and training provision, and increasing the supply of women returners talent. The findings of the research work can inform and influence national and regional skills development policy. The study was undertaken by Galway Executive Skillnet and is funded by Skillnet Ireland which actively supports and works with businesses in Ireland to address their current and future skills needs. It has benefited from the engagement of a wide range of companies and key stakeholders in the West region.
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Research Report Launch
A new report by Galway Executive Skillnet suggests much-needed and innovative solutions to challenges facing people who wish to re-enter the workforce in the West Region.
At the launch, Margaret Cox spoke about the opportunities that the ‘‘Boosting Medtech, Manufacturing Engineers and Finance talent to drive Jobs Growth in the West Region” report highlighted.
‘It is now clear from the research conducted’, commented Cox ‘that a real change in mindset and practices needs to happen. By driving that change, the West Region will lead the way in terms of addressing talent shortages, supporting women and families, and building a sustainable economy and employment market in the West Region’.
The research was conducted by Gerard Walker, Senior Economist (Future Jobs-Skills-Work Insights), and Ananda Geluk, Career Counsellor/Researcher; while the Project Advisory Board was comprised of representatives from local industry, enterprise support agencies and academic institutions.
Carl Blake, Galway Executive Skillnet Manager, with Ananda Geluk, Career Counsellor/Researcher, and Gerard Walker, Senior Economist (Future Jobs-Skills-Work Insights).
“Skillnet Ireland is committed to regional development and ensuring that businesses all around the country have access to skilled talent that is needed to drive their business on. This research forms part of our Future Skills programme and will result in practical workforce development initiatives to address the emerging skills needs within Medtech, Manufacturing Engineering and Financial Services, and of the talented pool of returners in the West Region. Our aim is to enhance Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity in partnership with businesses through innovative workforce development.”
“Employment in the West Region has grown to a record high of 213,400 in 2019 – a 22% increase since 2012. This highlights the need to increase labour force participation by boosting the supply of talent. This research provides a helpful overview into the type of issues employers in the West Region are facing when trying to engage with people who are returning to work, as well as the key barriers identified by returners themselves. It reinforces the importance of supporting professionals who are returning or re-entering the workforce, particularly female returners. Putting adequate supports in place benefits both employers and employees in the long run.”
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