‘We must identify the jobs and skills of the future for continued growth’ says Lyons

The Barometer was commissioned by the Department for the Economy to provide a better understanding of the future skills needs across the local economy and is produced by economists in Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre.

Speaking after the publication, the Minister said: “I welcome the publication of the latest Skills Barometer from Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre. As set out in my consultation on the new Skills Strategy – ‘Skills for a 10X Economy’ - this research provides us with an up-to-date assessment of the future skills needed in our economy and remains central to our evidence base. The Barometer clearly illustrates that investment in skills is worthwhile, leading to better employment prospects and higher earnings.”

The Minister added: “The Barometer outlines some clear challenges, for example, how demographic trends will create labour supply challenges over the coming decade and in doing so underpins the need for one of my key skills policy objectives to ‘create a culture of lifelong learning’. It also provides clear evidence on the digital skills challenge which we must address urgently to ensure our people and businesses can reach their potential. My officials are continuing to work with the experts from the Economic Policy Centre, representatives of business, trade unions and education institutions to ensure we develop a skills system matched to the needs of a globally competitive small advanced economy.

“Addressing the skills imbalances is key to driving economic growth and delivering on our societal ambitions. We must ensure people are equipped to meet the changing demands of the labour market now, and in the future, as we strive to become one of the leading small economies of the world. I am confident the latest edition of the Skills Barometer will help people to make career and subject choices and in turn assist businesses as we build the pathway to a 10X economy.”

Introducing the research, Mark Magill, senior economist at Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC), added: “The Skills Barometer is one of UUEPC’s flagship publications. The 2021 update is the fourth Skills Barometer publication and the demand for education and skills information remains very high. It has been heartening to see the research being widely used to help guide policy, to inform careers guidance, shape curriculum design and used for strategy development by business organisations.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you