Are we future-ready to adapt to the changing social and economic needs?

Globalisation, rapid digitalisation and new consumer preferences are transforming careers and jobs with the pace of change accelerating. This brings great opportunities — but also risks.

Major innovations have been introduced over the last 15 years: artificial intelligence, cloud computing, smart communication technology, etc.

All have had a social impact on how we live, how we work and how we interact with each other. It is becoming harder to predict with a high degree of certainty what the jobs and the workplace of the future will be.

New career demands

With careers now lasting close to 50 years, most people will probably make multiple career changes and transitions, requiring new skills and expertise and developing new social networks at every turn. We will constantly be on a learning journey, regardless of our qualifications.

The demand for skills is outpacing supply, and finding the best talent is going to be increasingly difficult as the world navigates a period of heightened economic uncertainty.

Educational systems should adapt There must be a shift in conventional thinking and approaches when supporting young people to feel empowered and in control of their choices as they transition from secondary school to their next phase of education and professional development.

The education system is being called upon to review and innovate in several fundamental ways, to meet the new demands of economic and social change.

The advent of Technological Universities, the rollout of a dynamic new apprenticeship programme in high-tech sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical and finance, and further education programmes with direct employment outcomes are providing greater choices for businesses to grow their talent pools.

Collaboration is critical to success

While Ireland has an enviable reputation for its education system, we are below par when it comes to lifelong learning and skills initiatives. Ireland’s lifelong learning participation rate remains below the EU target and significantly below what is required for a knowledgebased economy.

It’s time to invest in enhancing the skills and competencies of all segments of the workforce. The short and decreasing shelf-life of skills — coupled with limited opportunity for lifelong learning and the accelerating pace of technology — pose particular challenges for individuals and businesses seeking to maximise the opportunities presented by this new future of work.

We must harness the collaborative approach of educators, enterprises and the Government to develop a new approach and mindset towards lifelong learning if we are to meet the future needs of society and the economy. An investment in learning is an investment in our collective future.

Ireland’s expanding renewable energy industry is an exciting place to work, providing opportunities for growth, skills development and career progression at all levels.

Stuart Hobbs, Director of Energy Services at energy company, SSE Airtricity, has worked in energy for over two decades. In recent years, more people — including customers and colleagues — have asked him what the future of Irish energy will look like. He tells them the answer is simple: It’s green.

Ideal place for renewable energy Ireland has led the way in onshore wind generation, but now, the country is looking to develop its offshore wind capabilities, too.

“It’s going to take off in a big way,” notes Hobbs.

“Ireland has one of the largest coastlines in Europe, some of the most enviable seabeds and a great wind portfolio. SSE is certainly poised to make big investments in offshore.”

This means the sector is going to see a further increase in exciting career opportunities. No wonder SSE is seeing an uptick in candidates interested in joining its graduate and apprenticeship programmes.

Transferable skills will help power the green revolution

“When we ask potential employees why they want to work for us, they often say it’s because our values align with theirs,” explains Hobbs.

“Of course, they want well-paid jobs too — but, increasingly, they’re thinking about the type of organisation they want to work for. Companies in our industry shouldn’t just pay lip service to sustainability and social responsibility. They have to mean what they say and follow through.”

Candidates also want to know that training and support will be available to them after they join and that their employer is committed to, for example, supporting local communities and championing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

In creating green jobs of the future, Hobbs says the company — and the wider industry — needs a variety of skilled personnel, including project managers and quantity surveyors. It’s also looking to attract people from traditional trades — such as electricians, plumbers and heating engineers — and upskill them to work on the technologies of tomorrow.

“The Irish Government has a climate action target to retrofit 500,000 homes before 2030,” says Hobbs. “That’s just 25% of housing stock. After that, another 1.5 million houses will need retrofitting. So, electricians, for example, can get in at the start of a retrofit revolution. They can develop their skills, competencies and experience and become part of a burgeoning renewable energies market offering diverse career progression at all levels for the long term. That’s why it’s so exciting.”