Future skills requirements of the manufacturing sector to 2020
The overarching objective of this study is to address the skills requirements of the manufacturing sector in Ireland over the period 2012-2020. Specifically this entails an analysis of global drivers of change; a statistical profile of skills supply and demand in the sector; a quantitative assessment of future skills needs through economic modelling; a qualitative assessment of future skills needs identified through consultations with enterprises and industry stakeholders; and recommendations to address immediate and future skills requirements. The report highlights the importance of continuous up-skilling requirements across all occupations. It argues that the manufacturing sector needs to do more to promote and boost the attractiveness of manufacturing as a career choice since there are highly varied and rewarding career paths within the sector, with good potential for mobility, however, these are often not apparent to students or those working outside of the sector.