US companies 'looking for 2,500 workers in Ireland'

US companies in Ireland are looking for 2,500 people to fill vacant positions, according to a American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland survey.

The Workforce Activation Survey, carried out each year to track employment trends among US companies in Ireland found that of the 195 companies which responded, some 75% are recruiting to fill current vacancies.

"There have been almost 40 major investment announcements by US companies in Ireland so far this year, accounting for an estimated $2bn (€1.6bn)," said president of the Chamber Peter O’Neill.

"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 is a further indication of the positive impact US companies in Ireland."

The 2012 Survey found that:

* 2,513 open vacancies currently exist in US companies in Ireland with ICT, pharmaceuticals, international services and medical technology are just some of the industries currently recruiting

* 40% of those surveyed said they are advertising more vacant positions this year than last

* 55% of those who responded are able to fill close to 100% of their requirements within Ireland

* 45% of the jobs available are in companies outside Dublin which suggests that US investment is benefiting entire regions, not just Dublin

“It is talent and the availability of talent which is the single most important factor in retaining and growing investment,” according to Mr O’Neill. “We are fortunate that despite economic pressures we continue to produce large numbers of highly educated and skilled workers.”

“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.

“It is imperative therefore, that science becomes a core subject in the reforms being proposed for the Junior Certificate cycle.”

Mr O’Neill said that the American Chamber favoured science becoming a compulsory subject for all students until at least their junior certificate examination.

“I believe that this would create a climate where more students remain interested in studying science at Leaving Cert and third level with some of them going on to teach Science subjects knowing them to be of recognised importance within the education system”, he said.

“This would indeed be a virtuous circle. Even if students were not to choose Science at third level, they would at least have a basic knowledge and understanding of science in a world that is increasingly based on technology”.

Mr O Neill added that US investment in Ireland stood at $188bn (€150.7bn) at the end of 2011 according to the US Department of Commerce, which released its latest data just two weeks ago.

He also stated that Ireland accounts for more than 8% of the total stock of US FDI in Europe and attracts more investment than Brazil, Russia, India and China.

The American Chamber runs an online ‘job board’ giving information on jobs available within US companies in Ireland can be seen at www.amcham.ie/jobboard.