Small Business Column: Still gaps between education and needs of business

With state exams in full swing, Kehlan Kirwan from the Small Business Show examines why there are still skill gaps between what education provides and what businesses need to fill positions

I watched the debate on RTÉ’s Prime Time last Tuesday night, which focused on third-level institutions and — yet again — a simple debate turned to farce on the national airwaves. An integral part of the debate was missing. Small businesses, which will be looking to hire postgraduates, were absent from the panel.

The gap between the skills of graduates and the skills required by the business community is still noticeable. Time and time again we’re listening to stories about Irish companies being forced to look outside the country to find the right skills.