US companies in Ireland are looking for 2,513 people to fill job vacancies in their organisations, reveals the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland’s annual Workforce Activation Survey, published today.
The survey is carried out annually to track employment trends among US companies in Ireland. Some 195 companies responded to the latest survey, and of those, about 75pc are recruiting to fill current vacancies.
The jobs are available in industries such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, international services and medical technology.
Almost half (45pc) of the available jobs are in companies outside of Dublin, which suggests US investment is benefiting all regions, not just the capital city.
Forty per cent of companies surveyed said they are advertising more vacant positions this year than last year, and 55pc are able to fill close to 100pc of their requirements within Ireland.
All about the talent
“There have been almost 40 major investment announcements by US companies in Ireland so far this year, accounting for an estimated $2bn,” said Peter O’Neill, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.
“It is talent and the availability of talent which is the single most important factor in retaining and growing investment,” said O’Neill. “We are fortunate that despite economic pressures we continue to produce large numbers of highly educated and skilled workers,” said O’Neill.
“Ireland cannot afford to be complacent in maintaining and enhancing a talented workforce. OECD research has consistently suggested that the combination of mathematical and scientific literacy is a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness. It is imperative therefore, that science becomes a core subject in the reforms being proposed for the Junior Certificate cycle.”
O’Neill added that US investment in Ireland stood at $188bn at the end of 2011, according to the US Department of Commerce, which released its latest data just two weeks ago. Ireland accounts for more than 8pc of the total stock of US FDI in Europe and attracts more investment than Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The American Chamber runs an online job board which provides information on jobs available within US companies in Ireland.
