The job market for graduates in 2023 is showing positive signs of recovery from the impact of the pandemic. Employment rates among graduates have rebounded strongly, with the number of third-level graduates in employment surpassing pre-Covid-19 levels. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey conducted by the Higher Education Authority, up to 82% of graduates had found work within nine months of graduation.
Overall, 81.9% of graduates were employed nine months after graduation, which is an increase from previous years. For those with undergraduate honors degrees, 75.8% were employed nine months after graduation, a significant rise from 2020 figures. The majority of those employed (91%) with undergraduate honors degrees were working in Ireland, with Dublin being the most common county of employment.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, highlighted the positive rebound in employment levels for graduates and emphasized the importance of higher education in society. Dr. Alan Wall, CEO of the Higher Education Authority, noted that the report’s detailed datasets would assist institutions and stakeholders in providing valuable career advice and information to students. Dr. Vivienne Patterson, head of skills, engagement, and statistics at the Higher Education Authority, highlighted the strong rebound in employment rates following the pandemic and the overall employment growth in all sectors of the economy.
The optimism and opportunities for graduate career prospects were further underscored at the AIB Career Skills Competition, which emphasized the importance of career skills and their role in students’ future careers and educational prospects. The competition aimed to encourage independent career research among second-level students and promote awareness of career skills developed through work experience placements.
Overall, the job market for graduates in 2023 is showing positive signs, with employment rates rebounding and a wide range of career opportunities available. The report and competitions like the AIB Career Skills Competition provide valuable insights and support for students in making informed career choices and developing necessary skills for success in their chosen fields.
The EU Year of Skills, running from May 2023 to May 2024, aims to promote upskilling and lifelong learning across member states. The initiative recognizes the importance of skills and talent development in driving the green and digital transitions and fostering innovation and competitiveness in Ireland and the European Union as a whole.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, launched the project in partnership with Skillnet Ireland. The goal is to highlight the significance of Ireland’s highly skilled workforce to the economy and society. Skillnet Ireland, established in 1999, has a strong track record in providing skills, talent, and workforce development through collaborations with industry, government agencies, and the education and training ecosystem.
Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland, emphasized the importance of upskilling and lifelong learning in light of emerging technologies and the growing demand for green-skilled jobs. The EU Year of Skills aims to encourage companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to invest in the training and development of their teams. Skillnet Ireland will provide upskilling and talent development support to over 20,000 businesses of all sizes throughout the year, ensuring a pipeline of highly skilled talent for future business needs.
Skillnet Ireland’s model of public-private cooperation in workforce development has been recognized as a best practice example by the European Commission and the OECD. It serves as a means of incentivizing SMEs to invest in skills.
In addition, Skillnet Ireland has launched the Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet to support the growth of Ireland’s arts, culture, media, and creative sectors. The network will provide customized training and professional networking events to enhance skills and talent development in areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and leadership. This initiative aims to address the challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the cultural and creative sectors, which hold economic, social, and cultural significance for Ireland and its global reputation.
