Emerging Careers in Northern Ireland as a result of Globalisation

Information taken from: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/skills-demand

The following areas are extremely important to the Northern Ireland economy:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

As the world becomes increasingly technology dependent, it is anticipated that the range of businesses emerging around the STEM areas will grow significantly. This will require people to get a good education in STEM subjects. Jobs opportunities in the STEM areas include:

- Laboratory Technicians

- Food Scientists

- Biotech

- Machine Operatives

- Butchers

- Supply Chain Managers

ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

ICT is at the heart of every organisation and is central to our daily lives like mobile communication, computer games, touch screen technology, satellite navigation devices.

Therefore there is a demand for and jobs in internet specialist skills, such as:

- Software development

- Database development

- Systems architecture

Creative and Digital Media

This area underpins growth through both the development of new technologies and the provision of services to businesses and consumers. It is expected that because of this, there is a demand for and jobs in key areas such as:

- Cloud computing

- Mobile technologies

- Mobile applications

- Computer games

- Digital entertainment

- Cyber-security products and services

- Green/low carbon IT products

Agri-food sector

Food and drink manufacturing includes the processing of meat and poultry, dairy, fish and shellfish, fruit and vegetables and the production of bakery and drinks products amongst others. Areas of work include bakery, distillery, creamery and ready meals production. Jobs in this key area include:

- Laboratory technicians

- Food scientists

- Biotech

- Machine operatives

- Butcher supply chain manager

- Design and development engineers

- Biological scientists and biochemists

Business and financial services

There are many different industries within the finance, accountancy and financial services. Jobs in this area vary from:

- Accountants

- Bank officials

- Underwriters

- Insurance and investment

- Brokers

- Actuaries and pensions advisers

Advanced manufacturing and engineering

This includes careers requiring:

- CAD skills (Computer Aided Design)

- CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machine operatives

- Mechanical and electrical engineering

Renewable energies and recycling

European and global agreements on more energy efficient technology are creating demand for new engineering solutions.  Mechanical engineers are at the forefront of designing everything from better forms of green energy and zero emission engines to the latest breed of nuclear power stations.

It’s a highly skilled profession but has multiple entry routes and jobs in this sector include:

- Mechanical engineers

- Research and development managers

- Physical scientists

- Design and development engineers

- Biological scientists and biochemists

Health and life sciences

The Health and Life sciences sector is one of Northern Ireland’s most important sectors. The sector combines all elements of science and technology that contribute to the discovery and development of products for the healthcare and well-being of humans and animals.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED:

Evaluate how globalisation has impacted on careers and jobs in Northern Ireland. (10marks)

Globalisation has had both positive and negative impacts on careers and jobs in Northern Ireland. It has opened new opportunities but also created challenges for local workers and businesses.

Some positive points include how globalisation has attracted large international companies to Northern Ireland, especially in sectors like ICT, finance, and manufacturing. These companies provide more job opportunities, helping to reduce unemployment and boost the economy. Businesses in Northern Ireland can hire skilled workers from other countries thanks to global movement. This helps fill gaps in the local workforce, especially in industries like healthcare and engineering. Globalisation and technology have led to the creation of new careers such as app development, digital marketing, and e-commerce. These jobs often offer flexible working conditions and higher salaries, appealing to younger people.

However, many lower-skilled factory jobs have been lost because production is now cheaper in other countries or replaced by machines. This can lead to unemployment in certain areas of Northern Ireland. Since businesses can hire globally, local workers sometimes face more competition, especially if they don’t have the same skills or qualifications as workers from abroad. Finally some global companies move their operations to other countries to save money. This means that jobs in Northern Ireland may not be permanent, leading to uncertainty for workers.

In conclusion, globalisation has had a mixed impact on careers and jobs in Northern Ireland. While it has created modern career paths and attracted international investment, it has also led to job losses in traditional sectors and increased pressure on local workers to upskill. The impact of globalisation depends largely on how well individuals and businesses can adapt to change.