national

One thousand jobseekers apply for 20 positions

A thousand jobseekers yesterday clamoured for just 20 jobs being provided by a pharmaceutical firm, while the IT industry bemoaned the fact that 1,500 vacancies could not be filled.

BioMarin, which bought the former Pfizer plant at Shanbally, Co Cork, for €38m last year, was stunned to see 1,000 hopefuls turn up at a careers day.

There are only 20 jobs available, due to be filled in early 2013, with a further 80 jobs over the next two years.

Meanwhile, former soccer star turned entrepreneur Niall Quinn launched an initiative with Enterprise Ireland to persuade more students to consider careers in IT.

Sixteen leading software firms are involved in a new initiative called 'IT's Happening Here' and they all have jobs available. Mr Quinn's new firm Q Sat also wants to recruit software graduates.

Leaders within the IT industry have consistently spoken of the need for more graduates skilled in computing, putting pressure on the education system over maths and science teaching.

Yesterday an OECD report on education showed that, even at primary level, pupils are getting just one hour a week devoted to science.

Mr Quinn said that there were plenty of opportunities for "creative people" within IT.

"The Irish-owned software industry is leading edge, innovative and dynamic and contributes significantly to both our economy and our culture.

"We are looking to attract the very best talent from graduate to director level to keep us at the top of our game."