The ICS (Irish Computer Society) is taking a novel approach to solving the skills shortage after learning that some of the thousands of Finnish ICT professionals affected by Microsoft’s acquisition of Nokia might be willing to move to Ireland.

Finland reportedly has around 12,000 unemployed ICT professionals and the ICS recently met with Finnish representatives keen to help Irish employers take them on.

At the meeting, organised by Eures Ireland, the European Employment Services, the ICS was told that there are funds, staff and other resources available to help match employers and jobseekers across European borders.

ICS CEO Jim Friars reaffirmed his commitment to helping the Irish ICT sector to develop and flourish. “The work of Eures and the Irish Computer Society is a small step towards solving the challenge of finding innovative solutions to bridge the critical shortages in niche IT skills for Irish based companies.  Ireland’s ICT sector is world-renowned and continues to flourish. Nine of the world’s top 10 ICT companies are located here. The industry employs over 37,000 people and generates €35 billion in exports annually. Similarly 18 of the world’s top 25 medical technology companies have a base in Ireland,” he said.

 “We need to keep driving innovation in Ireland and we can’t do it without the right people. At home, we will continue to help companies train and resource their IT requirements but we know that if we want to host global companies like Facebook, Apple and Google then we need to welcome the global workforce to do so.”

The ICS is advising its members about two job fairs in Finland in early April where they can connect with ICT professionals interested in moving to Ireland for work.

Given Finland’s high standards of English and the people’s positive perceptions of Ireland, its people, culture and economy, the ICS believes there are strong synergies that can be leveraged.

The job fairs are being held on:

  • Tuesday April 5 at Microsoft Talo, Keilalahdentie 2-4, Espoo, Finland
  • Wednesday April 6 at RecruIT, Tampere, Finland

For more information about the job fairs, contact Tomi Puranen at tomi.puranen@te-toimisto.fi