The challenges for people returning to employment

Employment in the West Region has grown to a record high of 213,400 in 2019 – a 22% increase since 2012.

That’s according to a new report from the Galway Executive Skillnet which also highlights the value of providing support to both returners and businesses.

The report, which was launched this week, suggests much-needed and innovative solutions to challenges facing people who wish to re-enter the workforce in the West Region.

At the launch, Margaret Cox spoke about the opportunities that the ‘‘Boosting Medtech, Manufacturing Engineers and Finance talent to drive Jobs Growth in the West Region” report highlighted.

Innovative recommendations include:

National ‘Work-Life Balance/Family Friendly Employer badge’

National ‘Employer Charter Template and Toolkit’

Financial measures through government to support Returners and new ways of working

“It is now clear from the research conducted that a real change in mindset and practices needs to happen,” said the business woman and former Senator.

“By driving that change, the West Region will lead the way in terms of addressing talent shortages, supporting women and families, and building a sustainable economy and employment market in the West Region,” she added.

The research study was carried out under Skillnet Ireland’s Future Skills Programme.

Galway Executive Skillnet is a regional, multi-sector learning network for over 300 companies operating in County Galway and the surrounding counties of Clare, Mayo and Roscommon.

The report itself – entitled ‘Boosting Medtech, Manufacturing Engineers and Finance talent to drive Jobs Growth in the West Region’ – was launched at an event at the Galmont Hotel, and is the first of seven research projects to be launched by Skillnet Ireland in 2020.

And it suggests that several factors have contributed to skills gaps in the West Region – including strong business and employment growth, a tightening labour market, the ongoing drive to improve productivity and rapidly changing skills, knowledge and competency profiles.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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