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How much training do Irish firms undertake? And how does this rate compare to other EU countries? These questions are the focus of a recent FAS-Training and Employment study*. Using evidence compiled by the Continuing Vocational Training Survey (CVTS) under the FORCE programme, the results for Ireland are compared with data from other EU countries.
The survey** on which the European information is compiled was conducted in 1994 and covered companies employing 10 or more persons in manufacturing, construction, private services and public utilities in the then 12 EU countries. The study finds that Ireland and the United Kingdom follow broadly similar patterns, unlike many of the Mediterranean countries, which have lower rates of training.
The main findings are:
- The percentage of firms carrying out any training (77%) was higher than in most EU countries (57%) as was the proportion of employees attending training courses. However, the average time spent by participants on training courses in Ireland (25 hours per annum) was just over half the EU average of 45 hours per annum.
- The overall percentage of payroll spent on training courses in Ireland (1.5%) was in line with the EU average of 1.6%.
- On examination of the training rates within broad occupational groups, the difference between Ireland and the EU were relatively small at the higher occupational end (managerial/professional group), but, in relation to the lowest group (craft/operatives group), the EU figure was only 17% compared to 37% in Ireland.
Based on Labour Force Surveys up to 1996, the report also presents the outcome of recent research on the extent of training of the employed in Ireland. The results show the level and the nature of education/training received, by age, gender, status, industry and occupational group. The results show that a slightly higher percentage of females participate in training than males in Ireland. This contrasts with the EU as a whole where males are slightly more likely than females to go on training courses. Participation by older persons in Ireland, however, is low. The Irish rate declines from 21% of 15-24 year olds to 4% in the 45-54 age group.
Overall the figures show an increasing amount of training of employed people in Ireland - education/training participation by employed persons in Ireland rose by 50% between 1986 and 1996 - and that Irish companies perform satisfactorily compared to the EU as a whole. The duration of training courses, however, and hence the cost of courses, is relatively low. Overall, Irish firms' spending of 1.5% of their payroll on training courses is in line with EU norms.
The following improvements are recommended:
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