Is the Irish workforce ready for Brexit ?

There is little doubt that a hard Brexit, will test Irish workers ability and qualifications to the maximum as Irish companies trading with the UK enter unchartered waters from 2019 and beyond.

A recently published report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in Ireland and to be considered by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, deals specifically with those skillsets required for enterprises to navigate a potentially more restrictive trading environment following a hard Brexit.

A hard Brexit between Ireland and the UK will require more qualified and trained personnel to deal with customs clearances, logistics and supply chain management.

The logistics and supply chain sectors will be the first occupational sector effected after Brexit; followed quickly by personnel working in sales, hr and marketing. A demand for foreign language expertise will increase dramatically.

As Ireland is steered towards new less restrictive markets within the EU, the UK will remain in the short and medium term Irelands biggest trading partner. The study identifies the potential demand to upskill and get qualified in areas such as logistics, supply chain management, procurement, freight and distribution.

The study was informed by a comprehensive consultation exercise with enterprises and key informants across five internationally trading sectors (agri-food, health life sciences, technology, high value manufacturing, construction products and services).

The study examined:

  • The likely demand for logistics and supply chain roles under a number of Brexit related scenarios; and
  • Current education and training provision relevant to international trade, as well as logistics and supply chain activities.

Drawing on this research and analysis, the report made eight recommendations. These recommendations should have been implemented some time ago, and it is clear that the Irish workforce doesnt have time on its hands.

While the Irish workforce waits for the establishment of a National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, to promote the Logistics and supply sectors and their skills needs, it would be advisable if you work in these sectors to upskill and to get qualified without delay. Time is running out.

By considering a Diploma course in Logistics and Supply Chain Management or Diploma in Procurement & Supply, Diploma in Marketing, PR, Advertising & Sales, Advanced Diploma in HR Management, you are safeguarding your job from the imminent Brexit challenges that lie ahead.

The outcome and fallout from Brexit still remains uncertain, but better to be safe and prepared than sorry.

Reference: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2018/June/14062018.html