TORC

Sydney Opera House - becoming a familiar view for many Irish jobseekers

With opportunities scarce at home, Irish jobseekers continue to move abroad.

In terms of destination, the UK accounts for about 25%, the US for 5%, the EU-27 for 30% and the rest of the world (ROW) for 40%. 

Rest of the world (ROW) largest jobseeker destination
No doubt, the relatively high ROW figure reflects the reality that the UK, EU & US job markets have been having their own problems. 

And, the trend is likely to continue as we look out into 2012.

The most recent quarterly GDP growth numbers out of Canada and Australia have been particularly positive – at 3.5% and 4.8% respectively.

Unemployment levels in both countries are relatively low as well – with Australia standing at 5.2% and Canada at 7.4% currently.

Both countries continue to plan major infrastructure projects and have booming mineral, oil and gas industries.

Jobseekers look to Canada
Recent job fairs in Cork & Dublin hosted by Canadian employers point to a keen recruitment interest in the following sectors:  

-  Medical Professions (Dermatologists, Oncologists, Physiatrists, Radiologists)
-  Construction (Auto Mechanics, Electricians, Pipe fitters)
-  Engineering (Mine, Structural, Electrical, Project Engineers)
-  IT Specialists, Quantity Surveyors, among many others.

And, the Canadian Ambassador, Loyola Hearn, is quoted as saying that as many as 30,000-40,000 Irish may be needed in construction alone in coming years.

The current rate of Irish migration to Canada is estimated at 5000/year – with the visa quota being increased to 5,350 for 2012.

Jobseekers look to Australia
Jobseekers looking to Australia also have Visa considerations to overcome.

Currently, it is estimated that there are about 30,000 Irish on the two-year working holiday visa for the under 30’s.

From July 2012, a new Skilled Migrant Selection Model will be introduced. This is the open application route for skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Here, applicants can use their qualifications, work experience and language ability to secure a permanent visa.

Net emigration totals 150,000 in 5 years
Overall, it is estimated that net emigration (ie. outflow minus inflow) from Ireland for the five-year period, 2008-2012, will total 150,000.

Coincidently, 150,000 is also the number estimated for the native-Irish cohort emigrating in this same period – ie. netting out the large number of foreign nationals who came here in better times, but are now returning home and being classified as Irish emigrants in the process.

This current migration trend is not expected to reverse itself anytime soon – until Irish growth rates start to get back on track (>3%).

Government projections suggest 2015, at the earliest.

If you have any jobsearch tips, relating to Canada or Australia, that you’d like to share – please leave details in the comment box below. Thank you! 

PS. For general tips on how to best navigate the various recruitment stages, please click on the appropriate link here:
1. interview preparation
2. panel interviews
3. assessment centres

PPS. To review case studies relating to career change and outplacement, please click here.