Demand for third-level courses ‘not aligned to skills needs’

Minister for Further Education Simon Harris said courses in areas such as ICT, construction and health would be prioritised

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris: considering introducing tax incentives to support employers who released staff for upskilling. Picture: RollingNews

Demand for third-level courses is not aligned with the need for skills in the Irish economy, a new analysis has found.

Simon Harris, the Minister for Further Education, asked the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to examine Ireland’s skills strategy, whether it was fit for purpose and whether the country’s workforce was prepared for the future world of work.

That project is now under way and is expected to be finished in 2023, Harris ...