Economy Minister Dr has said doubling down
on the Economic Vision will support achievement of around one
million jobs across the North, as she launched Northern Ireland
Skills Barometer 2023-2033.
The Skills Barometer, developed by the Ulster University Economic
Policy Centre, provides a comprehensive assessment of the future
skills needs and gaps within the local economy for the next
decade.
Minister Archibald said: "This
report makes a huge contribution to the skills agenda. 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 highlights the long-term challenge posed by
our ageing population. The number of young
people coming into the labour market isn't enough to meet the
increased demand for jobs. The shortfall is such that an
undersupply of people is anticipated at all skill
levels. 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 traditional answer is upskilling people who are out
of work, and that remains important. But it is also vital to
support people once they are in employment. My Department is also
looking at how it can better ensure that employers have the
advice and support they need to attract and retain
workers.”
The report finds that workforce in Northern Ireland is projected
to grow to around one million jobs by 2033 – an additional 79,000
jobs created over the decade.
Other key findings of the barometer include:
- High rates of growth are forecast in sectors closely aligned
with the Department for the Economy's priority sectors -
agri-tech, life & health sciences, advanced manufacturing,
materials and engineering, fintech / financial services, software
& cyber, screen industries, and low carbon / net zero.
- Raising labour force participation will be essential to
ensure that businesses have access to a sufficient supply of
labour to achieve growth objectives.
Demographic trends and the structure of the labour market suggest
a potential overall skills undersupply across all qualification
levels, with a shortage of 5,400 individuals per annum needed to
fill vacancies under a high growth scenario over the next decade.
Therefore, investing in skills remains a central pillar of
economic policy.
The Minister concluded: “The coming
financial year will be difficult for my Department so it will be
critical to prioritise well and to ensure maximum impact in all
that we do. The Skills Baromoter will guide us through that
process.”
Mark Magill, Senior Economist at Ulster University and author of
the report, said: "The latest Skills Barometer
underscores the labour market challenges Northern Ireland will
face in the decade ahead and the pressing need for continued
investment in skills. The research highlights the critical
importance of closing skills gaps and aligning education and
training with industry demand. 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.
“The Skills Barometer provides a vital evidence base for
policymakers, educators, and employers to shape Northern
Ireland's Skills Strategy and drive long-term sustainable
economic growth."
The report, slide pack, and infographic are available on the
Department for the Economy website at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/skills-barometer-2023-2033
Notes to editors:
- The Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) is an
independent economic research centre whose aim is to produce
evidence based research to inform policy development and
implementation. See: www.ulster.ac.uk/epc/about
- The NI Skills Barometer was listed as a project to be
delivered under the DfE Research Programme 2024-27, published in
July 2024. See: www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/dfe-research-programme-2024-27
- This marks the fifth publication in this series, following
editions in 2022, 2019, 2017, and 2015, and celebrates a decade
since the first Skills Barometer was published.
