Ireland Seeks Skilled Indian Professionals: Key Opportunities In Green Energy, STEM And Healthcare – News18

Last Updated:March 18, 2025, 09:09 IST

Climate change presents not only environmental challenges but also economic opportunities, with green jobs key to powering the energy revolution.

As part of his official visit to India, Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, engaged with key Indian media on Monday, March 17, 2025, underscoring Ireland’s strong and growing relationship with India across trade, investment, and education.

Minister Lawless highlighted the increasing ties between India and Ireland during an exclusive media roundtable in New Delhi, particularly in higher education, technology, and business partnerships. When asked by News18 about the specific skills Ireland is looking for from Indian students, Minister Lawless elaborated on the demand for expertise in green energy, STEM, and healthcare sectors, emphasizing Ireland’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its workforce with skilled professionals from India.

Question: You mentioned Ireland’s focus on green space and green energy, and how the country is working to build this sector. Along with this, you mentioned the issue of labour shortages, which may prompt Ireland to look at importing skills from India. What are the key skills Ireland needs from India that Indian students should focus on? What skills should they develop in order to contribute to the green energy sector in Ireland?

Additionally, as India is broadening its ties with Ireland and seeking global employment opportunities, it would be great to know what specific skills Ireland is looking for, especially in the green energy space.

Answer: First, I want to highlight the importance of the green skills revolution. While we often discuss climate change in environmental terms, it also presents significant economic opportunities. The green jobs of the future are essential to powering the energy revolution. My department has recently commissioned a study to identify the green skills needed, with 33 occupations identified, ranging from wind technicians to offshore engineers.

Broadly speaking, Ireland is seeking skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). We always need STEM graduates—especially in fields like engineering, technology, and mathematics. Ireland has a strong focus on technology and sustainable engineering, so these skills are in high demand.

Additionally, there is a constant need for healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. We have a long tradition of Indian workers in these professions, but there’s always a demand for more.

In terms of emerging tech, Ireland is looking for skills in areas like AI, blockchain, big data, and data protection. As the economy becomes more complex, these skills will be crucial to navigating the future.

Question: Are there any specific curricula or programs introduced by the Irish government at the school level (e.g., 10+2 or senior high) that focus on these fields? Is there a possibility for India to implement similar curricula to better prepare students for these emerging sectors?

Answer: We have an established framework in Ireland for secondary education. Students typically graduate around age 18 with state certification, and while the general structure has remained stable, there has been an expansion in subject choices. Now, for example, construction skills are being offered as a course. We are constantly reviewing curricula to ensure that we meet the needs of the future workforce. Additionally, we encourage students to pursue a balance of subjects, including languages and humanities, alongside their STEM courses.

Question: You mentioned STEM as a key area of focus. Will there be specific policies or scholarships to encourage more women to enter STEM fields, especially through collaboration between Ireland and India?

Answer: We do have a strong push to get more women into STEM fields, and this is a priority for us. In terms of policy, we understand the importance of increasing female participation in STEM to address the growing skills gap. Women represent 50% of the population, and it’s crucial that we engage more women in these critical fields. In fact, one of the most socially mobile groups in Ireland today is young Indian women, and they are doing exceptionally well in the workforce.