Critical thinking presentation about the article "Tech Sector in Skills Shortage crisis" by Ian Campbell, published in the Irish Times on 15 July 2011.

1. José A. Ferrón

3. The problem:
“The Government must introduce
new policies to combat skill
shortages in the Irish IT sector”

4. The Sector:
IT – Communications – Gaming
 Over 1000 Companies
 Google, Facebook, Microsoft, etc.
 Over 70,000 current employed

5.  Established in 1997
 300 companies
 6000 professionals
Joan Mulvihill

6. A) Points
 The IIA is calling for the introduction
of policies to combat the problem.
 We are in crisis mode, and this is about
investing in a wealth generating sector.

7. A) Points
 The IIA has launched a document
highlighting the problem and
possible solutions.
 The criteria would be drawn up by
industry bodies.

8. A) Points
 The root of the problem is undersubscribed
technology courses.
 The Government has to look at the problem
now, not at longer term solutions.
 IIA distanced from the Special Assignment
Relief Programme (2008)

9. B) Facts:
 2,500 unfilled jobs
 IIA represents over 300 companies and more
than 6,000 individuals
 70,000 people currently employed in the tech
sector in Ireland
 200,000 in supporting jobs

10. C) Assumptions:
Irish students would be encouraged
to take 3th level tech courses.
The failure to draw talent comes
down to Ireland’s lack of
competitiveness.

11. C) Assumptions:
The proposal is effectively a job
creation scheme.
Protecting our smart economy people
is the best route for economic
recovery.

12. OUT OF CATEGORY
“I have evidence of English
people who have turned
down jobs here”

13. A) Points
 The IIA is calling for the introduction of
policies to combat the problem.
 We are in crisis mode, and this is about
investing in a wealth generating sector.

14.  A) Points
IIA has launched a document highlighting
the problem and possible solutions.
The criteria would be drawn up by industry
bodies.

15. A) Points
 The root of the problem is undersubscribed
technology courses.
 The Government has to look at the problem
now, not at longer term solutions.
 IIA distanced from the Special Assignment
Relief Programme (2008)

16. B) Facts:
 2,500 unfilled jobs
Source of this data is not offered in the article...
Is it real?

17. Job Offers
Irish Jobs.ie
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Jobs
0

18.  IIA represents over 300 companies and more
than 6,000 individuals
Including IADT!!!
 70,000 people currently employed in the tech
sector in Ireland - 200,000 in supporting jobs

19. The total number of ICT
enterprises in Ireland is
approx. 5,400
233 of these are foreign
owned ICT companies
According to the CSO's 2010 employment
figures, over 74,000 people are employed in ICT
companies in Ireland

20. C) Assumptions:
Irish students would be encouraged to
take 3th level tech courses.
“Recent statistics show that the number of
students starting computer/software courses
has increased by 32% since late 2007 while the
numbers starting electrical engineering courses
have increased by 21% since late 2007”
www.ict.ie

21. The failure to draw talent comes down to
Ireland’s lack of competitiveness.
 9/10 global ICT companies maintain a presence in
Ireland
 All of the top 5 software companies have a
significant presence in Ireland
 ICT accounted for €50 billion of Irish exports in
2009
 According to the Economic Forum’s Global
Competitiveness Index for 2009-2010 Ireland was
rated 21/133

22. C) Assumptions:
The proposal is effectively a job creation
scheme.
Protecting our smart economy people is the best
route for economic recovery.

23. Research shows that it really exists
a huge shortage of skills in the
tech sector in Ireland.
.
Ok but....

24. 1- REFORM OF EDUCATION SYSTEM.
ONLY 20 STUDENTS GRADUATING IN A
LEVEL 8 DEGREE IN COMPUTING IN
IADT IN 2011.
IADT – Students’ Services
Changing the way our education system works
is vital if we are to encourage young people to
take up professions such as IT and
engineering that will benefit our smart
economy. GORDON SMITH, siliconrepublic.com

25. 2. Reskilling
Exploring ways for people not
working currently in IT.
eLearning Summit (Brussels, 2001) Published
by Cisco Systems

26.  Ireland is facing a shortage in tech skills
 This is a serious matter that must be
addressed
 Despite the rising in unemployment
rates, there are over 2,500 positions available
in the ICT sector
 Technology courses are undersubscribed

27. What have I learned about critical thinking?
 Always questioning
 Do not take assumptions for granted
 Explore different alternatives
 Confirm facts with trusted sources

28. What have I learned about MY OWN critical
thinking skills?
- Assumptions
- It is not easy to change
the mind