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Dublin's Silicon Docks

Almost one-third of Ireland’s workforce working in STEM-related roles

1 Feb 2016

Ireland has seen a rapid surge in the number of people now working in science and tech roles, with the proportion of the population now in these roles standing at 29pc, according to research.

The report, Opportunities and Challenges for European Tech Employers, by recruitment site Indeed found that the numbers employed in the STEM sector are up 23pc since 2010 and 80pc since 2000.

According to the report, Ireland showed the fastest rate of growth in the proportion of workers in high-tech roles compared to the four other countries featured in the report: the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The report also showed a 23pc drop in the gap between Irish employer demand and jobseeker interest in technology roles between 2013 and 2015.

The study of the five countries showed only the UK outperforming Ireland in terms attracting international job research for STEM roles.

Skilled workforce

“The skills gap in Ireland has narrowed in recent years, but it is still very clear to us that demand for staff with science and technology backgrounds is ahead of supply, which is ensuring those entering the sector are able to secure attractive terms and conditions,” said Mariano Mamertino, EMEA economist with the Indeed Hiring Lab, which produced the report.

“Dublin is now positioned as one of Europe’s leading tech hubs, reaching a critical mass of tech sector activity that drives a virtuous circle of new companies arriving and new demand for skilled staff.

“The rapid growth in the proportion of the labour force working in technology roles has been helped by Ireland’s ability to attract international talent. English-speaking countries tend to benefit from a wider pool of internationally mobile candidates.”

Indeed currently employs 230 people at its EMEA headquarters in Dublin and recently announced plans to recruit another 300 staff by 2017.

John Kennedy
By John Kennedy

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years. His interests include all things technological, music, movies, reading, history, gaming and losing the occasional game of poker.

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