Why am I pursuing this course – is it to make myself more employable, I’m interested in the topic, I want to be financially better off? It’s vital that you are clear what you want to get out of further education

Is the course recognised by the affiliated body?

Do myself or my friends know of anyone who has completed this course?

Will I be able to support myself financially while pursuing a course?

Can you pay for the course in installments?

Should I complete a short / night course before investing in a full qualification – one in four students typically drop out of college so it’s important everything is considered

What are the job prospects on completion?

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 What sector is a good one to target when job searching or upskilling?

• IT Services/Computer Software/Hardware
• Accounting and Auditing
•  Innovation and Intellectual Property Related Enterprises
• Green Sector Jobs
• Business Services
• Medical/Health

Most of the job search engines, career sites and economists agree that the top growth industries include:

1. IT Services/Computer Software/Hardware
ICT is a key growth sector for Ireland and the availability of highly skilled IT professionals here has attracted many high profile companies that continue to reinvest. In addition, the IT outsourcing market could boom as employers increasingly look to third-party providers in order to cut costs.

2. Accounting and Auditing
There is still some demand for qualified and part qualified accountants when all eyes are on the books at the moment. There is steady demand for compliance and risk professionals. Qualified and newly qualified accountants are required within the pharmaceutical, manufacturing and energy industries, as are candidates with insolvency and forensics experience.

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Up-skilling and Retraining for the jobs market

In the current economic climate, it is vital that individuals from all backgrounds are thinking strategically about their careers. Up-skilling or retraining is key for future career success. Whether you are in employment or actively seeking new employment or a change of career direction, further education & development something that will impress any current or potential employer

Why up-skill?

• Up-skilling or re-skilling will enhance your CV and make you a lot more marketable
• It sends out the right message to current or prospective employers that you are someone who is taking control of your career
• It shows employers that you have the drive and determination to achieve your career goals.
• It makes you more valuable to your current employers, and in the event of downsizing it is less likely you will be considered.
• Keeps you up to date with developments in your field and demonstrates to employers that you are committed to Continuing Professional Development

Why retrain?

• Nowadays it is much easier for you to retrain using online learning or distance learning courses.
• Those who think strategically and consider the developing industries. If you are an individual who is considering a total change of direction, now is your opportunity to do so
• The Government and IDA are focused on creating high value skilled jobs. By thinking long term when selecting what course to pursue, you are equipping yourself with the tools to be successful in the future.
• In the current economic climate people are taking the opportunity to return to college and retrain. It’s important not to be left behind

What role do employers have in up-skilling?

• Employers have a key role to play when it comes to supporting those who want to pursue further education or develop new skills.
• Retraining of staff should not be considered as a cost, but more as an investment. It increases the long term business success and it keeps organisations in touch with recent developments.
• In times of economic gloom up-skilling keeps staff motivated and can improve morale and retention.
• Top talent in any organisation needs to feel stretched, so it’s vital that employers invest in their future.

Nowadays, people are living longer. Two thirds of the country will still be in full time employment by 2020. Now is the time to react to this fact. China and India are producing more and more highly skilled labour and this is putting us in Ireland at risk.

Ireland needs to remain competitive and everyone has to take ownership. Up-skilling is the responsibility of the Government, Universities, individuals and the business world

Mairead Griffin FCIPD
Career Coach and Outplacement Specialist
Career Mentors
http://www.careermentors.ie/