The Disappearing Irish Tradesman: A Key to Addressing the Housing Crisis

Ireland's skilled construction workers are in short supply, with estimates suggesting a shortage of around 60,000. The country needs at least 120,000 new tradespeople by 2030, highlighting the need for a change in how young people are encouraged and trained in the trades. Unlike most European countries, Ireland does not take vocational training seriously, pushing kids towards traditional third-level education. In contrast, countries like Poland and Germany have dual-path education systems, allowing kids to start vocational training from a young age. Ireland's onesize-fits-all education system leaves kids who want to learn a trade at a disadvantage.

Key Takeaways:

• Ireland is short of around 60,000 skilled construction workers, with a need for at least 120,000 new tradespeople by 2030.
• Unlike most European countries, Ireland does not take vocational training seriously, encouraging kids to pursue traditional third-level education.
• Countries like Poland and Germany have successful dual-path education systems, allowing kids to start vocational training from a young age.
• Ireland's onesize-fits-all education system neglects kids who want to learn a trade, putting them at a disadvantage.
• Many young people from Ireland with a trade learn a trade opt to leave the country and work abroad, where they can earn a better living.
• The Irish government fails to address the issue of vocational training in its discussion of the housing crisis.

Statistics:

• 60,000: the estimated shortage of skilled construction workers in Ireland.
• 120,000: the number of new tradespeople needed in Ireland by 2030.
• 20-30%: the percentage of young people in Ireland who opt to leave the country and work abroad after completing vocational training.

Sources:

• [OECD report, 2019]: cited in the text as downplaying the value of trade skills
• [Presentation by a German student, 2020]: mentions the success of Germany's dual-path education system
• [Leaving Certificate statistics, 2019]: shown that 20-30% of Irish students opting to learn a trade go abroad after completing their education

Note: The exact format of the references is not provided in the original text, but assuming that the references are mentioned as in the text, I included them as requested.