Northern Ireland is facing a growing challenge that’s familiar across many sectors: a shortage of the right skills at the right time. Whether in health and social care, hospitality, agri-food, or manufacturing, employers continue to report difficulties not just in filling vacancies, but in finding candidates with the qualifications and experience needed to succeed.
While some organisations have traditionally turned to international recruitment to fill gaps, this route is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate. Changes to the UK immigration system, including higher salary thresholds, tighter eligibility criteria, and more complex sponsorship requirements, mean that fewer roles now qualify for visas. As a result, employers are being encouraged to focus on developing local talent to meet their future workforce needs.
One of the most sustainable ways to address these shortages is by investing in people already here. Apprenticeships and work-based training remain effective ways to build talent from the ground up. They offer practical, hands-on experience tailored to industry needs, and often lead to higher retention rates and greater workforce stability.
Partnerships with local colleges and further education institutions are central to this effort. Programmes like Assured Skills and Skill Up NI, both supported by the Department for the Economy, make it easier for employers to access government-funded training, upskill existing employees, and attract new talent into technical and hard-to-fill roles.
There is also a real opportunity to engage with underrepresented parts of the workforce. Northern Ireland continues to have one of the highest rates of economic inactivity in the UK, with many individuals not currently in employment due to caring responsibilities, long-term health conditions, or limited access to flexible working.
Creating more inclusive and adaptable roles, through flexible hours, job design, or additional workplace support, can help bring these individuals back into the labour market. Doing so not only expands the talent pool but also helps build a more diverse, resilient, and future-ready workforce.
Looking ahead, investing in local skills isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges, it’s about laying the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable future. By supporting people and nurturing talent from within, employers can strengthen their organisations, contribute to the wider economy, and ensure Northern Ireland is better prepared for the workforce demands of tomorrow.
To discuss any aspect, please contact Karen Corry, Senior HR Consultant E: karencorry@bakertillymm.co.uk T: 028 9032 3466.