US Companies in Ireland are currently seeking over 2,500 people to fill vacant positions in their companies, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland’s annual Workforce Activation Survey shows.
The Survey is carried out each year to track employment trends among US companies in Ireland. One hundred and ninety-five companies responded and, of those, some 75 per cent are recruiting to fill current vacancies. Importantly, 530 of these job vacancies are available in the western region.
Speaking at the American Chamber’s annual celebration of Independence Day, which was attended by US Ambassador, Daniel M Rooney and over 400 representatives of the US multinational community in Ireland, Mr Mark Gantly, managing director of HP Galway and Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce West Region said: “There have
been almost 40
major investment announcements by US companies in Ireland so far this year, accounting for an estimated $2 billion. In the west of Ireland we have seen new announcements from HP, Allergen, Mylan and Merit Medical. These are very welcome and the country’s success in attracting FDI is a remarkable achievement and a reflection on the reputation of Ireland as a good place in which to invest and do business.
“The American Chamber’s Workforce Activation Survey, which measures job vacancies in existing companies, provides further evidence of the positive impact US companies have in Ireland”.
According to Mr Gantly third level institutions such as NUI-Galway and GMIT have provided a steady supply of well educated graduates for companies locating in the west region. This has played a significant part in attracting multinationals to the region and the employment created has resulted in economic wealth across the entire west region.
“However, Ireland cannot afford to be complacent in maintaining and enhancing a talented workforce. OECD research has consistently suggested that the combination of mathematical and scientific literacy is a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness,” Mr Gantly cautioned.
Mr Gantly sees 100 per cent participation in Science at Junior Certificate level as a vital first step.
He concluded by saying: “The West of Ireland has much to offer multinational companies and will continue to win new investment and create employment if it remains cost competitive and continues to deliver the right mix of skilled workers to help multinationals to grow.”
The American Chamber of Commerce Independence Day lunch was sponsored by AIB Corporate Banking Ireland.
