New Jobs Need Skills says AONTAS
19 Feb 2008 04:32 PM
AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation welcomes today's announcement regarding the creation of 150 new jobs through the Citco expansion in Cork.
However, AONTAS cautioned that these developments highlight the need for a serious commitment to provide upskilling and learning opportunities for Irish workers. According to Berni Brady, AONTAS Director 'The Ministers announcement indicates that the majority of new employees will require a third level business/accounting or business related qualification, in addition to a high level of computer literacy and communicative skills. Just over a week ago the government announced 200 new jobs in Carlow, all of which will require a third level qualification. Recent job losses have mainly affected those workers with less qualifications. The government really needs to revise current thinking on access to training and education if workers in Ireland are to be able to take full advantage of these new employment opportunities.'
Ireland compares poorly with other European countries when it comes to accessing adult education and training opportunities. Less than 8% of Irish adults between the ages of 25 and 64 participate in adult education and training opportunities, while in the UK and Scandinavian countries this figure is as high as 25%. 'We need to face the reality that the growth of our economy will depend on the availability of a workforce which avails of upskilling and learning opportunities', added Ms Brady. 'The high costs of part time third level fees for example, are a major obstacle for those seeking to combine work and study. The lack of financial supports such as childcare can also be a disincentive. Computer proficiency is still an issue for many low skilled workers. We cannot rely only on recent graduates when it comes to attracting new employment opportunities. Education, training and development are key to ensuring Irelands continued economic development', she concluded.
For further information, please contact
Niamh Farren: Communications Officer. AONTAS
01 406 8220
087 911 0569
ENDS
Note to Editors
1. AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS is a non-government membership organisation, established in 1969. The organisation's mission is to ensure that every adult in Ireland has access to appropriate and affordable learning opportunities throughout their lives, thus enabling them to contribute to and participate in the economic, social, civic and cultural development of Irish society. AONTAS is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. AONTAS represents over 600 members, ranging from statutory providers of adult education, such as VECs and third level institutions, to voluntary providers of community education, to individual adult learners and those with a general interest in adult education. The role of AONTAS is to work towards improving the adult education sector in Ireland through policy development, promoting the benefits of adult education and research.
