HEA Survey results show almost half of population would like to retrain

A new survey commissioned by the Higher Education Authority and carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes has revealed that almost half the Irish population would like to retrain to work in a more progressive and evolving sector.

According to the survey, more than one third of people (37%) feel that the Covid-19 pandemic has made them consider upskilling or reskilling. However, cost, time and confidence are barriers for people considering a change.

The findings from the HEA’s survey also revealed the following:

· Almost half of people (45%) say that they would like the opportunity to retrain to work in a more progressive and evolving sector. This was particularly the case for those under the age of 50 and in the pre-family or family life stages categories.

· 50% of people said the idea of working in new technology appeals very strongly to them.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, said Springboard+ and the graduate conversion courses under the Human Capital Initiative provide a targeted response to skills needs, enabling people to upskill and reskill in areas of critical importance which have come to the fore as a result of the pandemic.

The full survey results can be found here