» High-tech sector better for jobs than traditional areas, says IDA
SUZANNE LYNCH – Irish Times Friday January 9th 2012
IRISH STUDENTS should switch their focus from traditional careers such as medicine, law and teaching, to emerging industries such as technology and bio-science, which offer better job opportunities, the head of IDA Ireland has said.
His comments came as the agency, which is responsible for attracting international companies to Ireland, reported a record year for foreign direct investment.
More than 13,000 jobs were created by international companies operating in Ireland last year. However, 7,000 jobs were shed by IDA-supported companies during the same period, bringing the net increase in jobs to just over 6,000. This compares to a net increase of 1,400 in 2010.
The majority of the new jobs were in the field of technology, biotech and life sciences, prompting the IDA to urge Irish students to consider job opportunities when making education and career choices.
“We have visibility on what jobs are going to be in demand,” IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary pointed out. “For example, 40 per cent of new jobs over the next few years will be in the field of technology. In fact, we believe the number of new jobs last year would have been higher if the skills set had been different.”
His comments were echoed by Minister for Enterprise Richard Bruton. “Career opportunities in the new Irish economy are in very different areas – technology, science, software development,” he said, adding that students beginning the CAO application process should “recognise the change that is happening in the Irish economy”.