Hays Specialist Recruitment, which has offices in Cork and Dublin, have launched a new division to cater for the rise in employment needs by the energy industry.

While the construction and property sectors face bleak times ahead, Ireland's energy industry could give our economy the resurgence it needs. Energy now ranks alongside Pharmaceuticals and Information Technology as one of the key growth sectors of the Irish economy.

With the government, semi-state bodies and now financial institutions investing substantial funds in sustainable energy, questions surround Ireland's capability to meet future labour demands.

Recent research conducted by Hays Energy found that the burgeoning industry could face future difficulties with the threat of a skills shortage. Stephen Flanagan, Marketing Manager for Hays Energy, said, " At the present time we aren't experiencing a detrimental shortage of skilled workers, quite the opposite actually. However, looking at the future expansion of the industry paired with government investment, Ireland undoubtedly needs an increase of skilled graduates to realise the industry's full potential".

Despite the investment in the energy industry, the sector has registered a steady decline in the number of new graduates. According to Liam Connellan, Chairman of the Energy Institute in Ireland, the key to tackling this impending labour shortage, is by "promoting careers in the energy sector and increasing the supply of energy specialists from third level institutions".

He highlighted there are 30,000 people directly employed in the energy sector and he predicts these figures are likely to double over the coming decade, with the growth of both renewable and traditional energy business. Both are currently experiencing substantial investment in order to adhere to previously signed protocols and EU directives on carbon emissions and the development of renewables. "New sources of energy that are in development require new skills and specialisation from engineers, applied scientists and technicians". Without these skilled recruits, the capability of the sector to adapt quickly could compromise its competitive advantage.

Hays Energy will manage recruitment related to the immediate design, construction, maintenance and management of any energy related or energy producing facility. "The launch of Hays Energy shows both the merging importance of this particular industry in Ireland and our dedication to maintaining our position as the leaders in the field of specialist recruitment. With offices both in Cork and Dublin, we are able to cater to the demands of clients on a nationwide scale".

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