Skills, education & talent

Recruiting, retaining, training and upskilling staff is a major challenge for businesses in Ireland’s Experience Economy. To thrive, misconceptions about employment and career development in this sector must be addressed, so workers see sustainable, exciting, and long-term career opportunities.

Education and training are crucial for upskilling workers, ensuring they can adapt to changing trends, digital demands, consumer needs and sustain their careers in this sector.

Talent retention is essential as a lack of talent and skilled workforce will limit the long term growth of this vital part of Ireland’s economy. Ibec urges the Government to provide opportunities tailored to the Experience Economy's needs. Ibec is calling for:

• Improve schemes and qualifying conditions for mobile workers to embed competitiveness in the Experience Economy and attract an international workforce by introducing a single work permit and visa process to streamline immigration.
• Use the National Training Fund surplus to support practical, flexible, industry-led training that meets current and future needs (e.g. leadership, digital skills, CX and sustainability). A National Training Voucher Scheme could help more businesses offer upskilling and training opportunities by covering costs through reimbursement. Business could claim training expenses through payroll rebates or direct vouchers with accredited providers.