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From:Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The skills profile, workforce needs and opportunities required to support the next phase of economic growth in the Mid-West were the focus of a regional roundtable convened by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, today.

The Mid-West Skills Roundtable took place at the offices of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care in Castletroy, bringing together employers, education providers and regional stakeholders to discuss how Ireland's skills system can respond to evolving workforce needs and support continued investment, innovation and job creation across the region.

The event marks the first regional engagement in a wider programme of consultations being led by Minister Lawless, following a series of sectoral roundtables focused on identifying future skills requirements across the economy.

It builds on the strong national network of Regional Skills Fora, including the Mid-West Forum.

The Mid-West is recognised as one of Ireland's most dynamic economic regions, with strengths across ICT, advanced manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, aviation, agri-food and renewable energy. As technological change, artificial intelligence and sustainability continue to reshape industries worldwide, participants discussed the skills and talent needed to ensure the region remains competitive and well positioned to seize emerging opportunities.

Key themes included the growing demand for digital and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics and engineering, alongside the importance of lifelong learning, workforce upskilling and reskilling to help businesses adapt and grow.

The discussion also explored how industry, education providers and Government can work more closely together to ensure that skills provision keeps pace with labour market needs and supports regional development.

Speaking at today’s event, Minister Lawless said:

"What came through clearly in today's discussion is that companies across the region are planning for growth, but they are also thinking carefully about the skills they will need to succeed in an increasingly digital and technology-driven economy.

"Whether it's engineering, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, AI or cybersecurity, employers are looking for people with the right mix of technical expertise, adaptability and problem-solving skills. Just as importantly, they recognise the value of helping their existing workforce develop new skills throughout their careers.

"I was particularly encouraged by the strong spirit of collaboration around the table today. Businesses, educators and public bodies are all focused on the same goal: ensuring that people have access to the skills and opportunities they need, while giving employers the talent they need to continue investing and growing in the region.

"The insights shared today will make an important contribution to shaping future skills policy. My priority is to ensure our education and training system remains responsive, forward-looking and connected to the realities of the labour market, so that regions like the Mid-West can continue to thrive."