CRITICAL THINKING

José A. Ferrón

Tech Sector in Skills Shortage ‘Crisis'

by Ian Campbell

Friday, July 15, 2011

1. Introduction

The problem:

“The Government must introduce new policies to combat skill shortages in the Irish IT sector”

1. Introduction

The Sector:

IT – Communications – Gaming

Over 1000 Companies Google, Facebook, Microsoft, etc. Over 70,000 current employed

1. Introduction

Joan Mulvihill

Established in 1997

300 companies

6000 professionals

2. Analysis

A) Points

The IIA is calling for the introduction of policies to combat the problem.

We are in crisis mode, and this is about investing in a wealth generating sector.

2. Analysis

A) Points

The IIA has launched a document highlighting the problem and possible solutions.

The criteria would be drawn up by industry bodies.

2. AnalysisA) Points

The root of the problem is undersubscribed technology courses.

The Government has to look at the problem now, not at longer term solutions.

IIA distanced from the Special Assignment Relief Programme (2008)

2. Analysis B) Facts:

2,500 unfilled jobs

IIA represents over 300 companies and more than 6,000 individuals

70,000 people currently employed in the tech sector in Ireland

200,000 in supporting jobs

2. Analysis C) Assumptions:

Irish students would be encouraged to take 3th level tech courses.

The failure to draw talent comes down to Ireland’s lack of competitiveness.

2. Analysis

C) Assumptions:

The proposal is effectively a job creation scheme.

Protecting our smart economy people is the best route for economic recovery.

2. Analysis

OUT OF CATEGORY

“I have evidence of English people who have turned down jobs here”

3. Evaluation

A) Points

The IIA is calling for the introduction of policies to combat the problem.

We are in crisis mode, and this is about investing in a wealth generating sector.

3. Evaluation

A) Points

IIA has launched a document highlighting the problem and possible solutions.

The criteria would be drawn up by industry bodies.

3. Evaluation

A) Points

The root of the problem is undersubscribed technology courses.

The Government has to look at the problem now, not at longer term solutions.

IIA distanced from the Special Assignment Relief Programme (2008)

3. Evaluation

B) Facts:

2,500 unfilled jobs

Source of this data is not offered in the article...

Is it real?

3. Evaluation

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Job OffersIrish Jobs.ie

Jobs

3. Evaluation

IIA represents over 300 companies and more than 6,000 individuals

Including IADT!!!

70,000 people currently employed in the tech sector in Ireland - 200,000 in supporting jobs

3. Evaluation

The total number of ICT enterprises in Ireland is approx. 5,400

233 of these are foreign owned ICT companies

According to the CSO's 2010 employment figures, over 74,000 people are employed in ICT companies in Ireland

3. Evaluation

C) Assumptions:

Irish students would be encouraged to take 3th level tech courses.

“Recent statistics show that the number of students starting computer/software courses has increased by 32% since late 2007 while the numbers starting electrical engineering courses have increased by 21% since late 2007”

www.ict.ie

3. Evaluation

The failure to draw talent comes down to Ireland’s lack of competitiveness.

9/10 global ICT companies maintain a presence in Ireland

All of the top 5 software companies have a significant presence in Ireland

ICT accounted for €50 billion of Irish exports in 2009

According to the Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for 2009-2010 Ireland was rated 21/133

3. Evaluation

C) Assumptions:

The proposal is effectively a job creation scheme.

Protecting our smart economy people is the best route for economic recovery.

4. Suggestions

Research shows that it really exists a huge shortage of skills in the tech sector in Ireland.

.

Ok but....

4. Suggestions

1- REFORM OF EDUCATION SYSTEM.

ONLY 20 STUDENTS GRADUATING IN A LEVEL 8 DEGREE IN COMPUTING IN IADT IN 2011.

IADT – Students’ Services

Changing the way our education system works is vital if we are to encourage young people to take up professions such as IT and engineering that will benefit our smart economy. GORDON SMITH, siliconrepublic.com

4. Suggestions

2. Reskilling

Exploring ways for people not working currently in IT.

eLearning Summit (Brussels, 2001) Published by Cisco Systems

5. Conclusions

Ireland is facing a shortage in tech skills

This is a serious matter that must be addressed

Despite the rising in unemployment rates, there are over 2,500 positions available in the ICT sector

Technology courses are undersubscribed

6. Self-Reflection

What have I learned about critical thinking?

Always questioning

Do not take assumptions for granted

Explore different alternatives

Confirm facts with trusted sources

6. Self-Reflection

What have I learned about MY OWN critical thinking skills?

- Assumptions

- It is not easy to change the mind