11/02/2025
Skills Shortage Predicted As NI Aims For One Million Jobs
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has emphasised the importance of investing in skills development to support the creation of one million jobs in Northern Ireland, as outlined in the Executive's Economic Vision.
The Minister launched the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer 2023-2033, a report developed by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, which provides a comprehensive assessment of future skills needs across the economy.
"This report makes a huge contribution to the skills agenda," said Minister Archibald. "It is a resource for parents and students; for careers advisors; for educational institutions and training providers; for job seekers and people who want to change careers; for businesses and trade unions; and for policy makers." The report predicts that the Northern Ireland workforce will grow to around one million jobs by 2033, an increase of 79,000 jobs over the decade. However, it also highlights significant challenges, including a projected skills shortage across all qualification levels.
"The number of young people coming into the labour market isn't enough to meet the increased demand for jobs," said Minister Archibald.
"Given that Brexit has limited our ability to recruit from the EU, it is all the more important to help people who face barriers to work or training into employment."
The report identifies high growth potential in sectors aligned with the Department for the Economy's priority areas, including agri-tech, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and fintech.
"Investing in STEM, digital skills, transversal skills, and lifelong learning will be essential to developing a workforce that is resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future," said Mark Magill, Senior Economist at Ulster University and author of the report.
The Skills Barometer will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and employers in shaping Northern Ireland's future skills strategy.
The Minister launched the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer 2023-2033, a report developed by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, which provides a comprehensive assessment of future skills needs across the economy.
"This report makes a huge contribution to the skills agenda," said Minister Archibald. "It is a resource for parents and students; for careers advisors; for educational institutions and training providers; for job seekers and people who want to change careers; for businesses and trade unions; and for policy makers." The report predicts that the Northern Ireland workforce will grow to around one million jobs by 2033, an increase of 79,000 jobs over the decade. However, it also highlights significant challenges, including a projected skills shortage across all qualification levels.
"The number of young people coming into the labour market isn't enough to meet the increased demand for jobs," said Minister Archibald.
"Given that Brexit has limited our ability to recruit from the EU, it is all the more important to help people who face barriers to work or training into employment."
The report identifies high growth potential in sectors aligned with the Department for the Economy's priority areas, including agri-tech, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing, and fintech.
"Investing in STEM, digital skills, transversal skills, and lifelong learning will be essential to developing a workforce that is resilient, competitive, and prepared for the future," said Mark Magill, Senior Economist at Ulster University and author of the report.
The Skills Barometer will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and employers in shaping Northern Ireland's future skills strategy.
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