Read the following article from The Irish Examiner about job skills shortages. Answer the accompanying questions.
SPARKS JOB SKILLS SHORTAGES By Dan Buckley
Ireland’s improving economy has led to skill shortages in a number of areas, mostly the IT sector along with engineering, science and health.
1. Which economic resource has been affected by the improvement in Ireland’s economy?
According to the 2015 National Skills Bulletin, the labour market improved last year and the unemployment rate fell.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) which published the bulletin… advises the government on the current and future skills needs of the economy, and on other labour market issues that impact on Ireland’s enterprise and employment growth.
The strongest increase in employment was in skilled trades. The construction sector grew the most, at 13%, followed by the financial and education sectors, at 5% each. However, employment in the construction sector is still 16% lower than five years ago, while financial sector employment is 5% lower.
2. Employment in the construction industry increased the most. Why do you think this industry in particular is affected by an improved economy?
