The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has advised the Government to upskill younger workers to support the 10,000 new jobs the marine economy will create by 2020.
EGFSN chair Una Halligan warns that the sector’s potential may be hampered by a lack of awareness about possible careers. Openings are set to emerge for operatives and low-skill roles, up to professional and engineering roles in marine renewable energy and maritime monitoring.
Ms Halligan said: “With our position on the western periphery of Europe, facing the Atlantic Ocean and its energy resources, our deep water ports and our 7,500km coastline, Ireland is well-placed to capitalise on the growing potential of the global marine economy and create sustainable jobs in the coastal regions. However, an important aspect will be the co-ordinated effort on the part of all the marine sectors to raise awareness of the excellent and rewarding careers in the sector and attracting people to the opportunities available.”
Some 16,155 people are employed in Ireland’s marine economy in its marine and coastal regions.
The roles are spread across the key sectors and straddle the full range of occupations from managerial and professional to operatives, including engineers, marine biologists, maritime lawyers, environmental scientists, naval architects, technicians, crane operators and fish filleters.
The ENGSN’s report estimates that Ireland can create up to 16,900 job opportunities by 2020, arising through expansion and replacement demand with around 10,000 owing to growth of the marine economy.
