Graduate Employment Rates Remain High Despite Slight drop
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Overall Employment Trends
80% of third-level graduates across all higher education institutions were successfully employed nine months after graduation. This figure represents a slight decrease from the 83% recorded for the class of 2022 and 82% for the class of 2021. Unemployment rates among graduates saw a rise, increasing from 4% for the class of 2022 to 6.5% for the class of 2023. This trend follows the 8.1% unemployment rate observed for the class of 2020.Variations Across Disciplines
The study also highlighted variations in employment rates across different academic disciplines. Education graduates,such as teachers,boasted the highest employment rate at 90%,while arts and humanities graduates reported a lower rate of 65%. Though, those in arts and humanities were more likely to pursue further study, such as postgraduate qualifications. A smaller percentage of graduates (11%) opted for further studies nine months after graduation. This figure represents an increase from 10% for the class of 2022 but is lower than the 12% recorded for the class of 2021. The proportion of graduates pursuing further study was highest among arts and humanities graduates (21%), followed by natural sciences, maths, and statistics graduates (17%), with the lowest proportion found among facts and communication graduates (5%). Interestingly, the number of graduates engaged in other activities, such as travelling, volunteering, or home duties, has slightly increased from 2.3% for the class of 2022 to 2.5% for the class of 2023. the class of 2023 saw nearly 71,000 graduates, with 55% being female and 45% male. just over 50% graduated with undergraduate honours degrees, and 28% earned taught master’s degrees. Among undergraduates, over six in ten believed their course was “very relevant” or “relevant” to their current job.Job hunting strategies varied,but recruitment sites,prior work experience,and personal contacts proved to be the most common sources for securing employment.## Archyde Interviews: Dr. Alan Wall on Graduate Employment Rates
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Answers, where we delve into the issues impacting our lives. today, we’re discussing the recently released data on graduate employment rates. Joining us is Dr. Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Dr. Wall, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Wall:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The data reveals a slight decrease in graduate employment rates compared to previous years. While the rates remain high what factors do you believe are contributing to this dip?
**Dr. Wall:** That’s right, the overall picture is still positive, with employment rates remaining at a very high level [[Guided by recent data]]. However, we are seeing a slight downward trend. This could be due to a variety of factors. The global economic climate is one element, with some industries facing challenges that might impact graduate hiring.
**Host:** The study also highlighted a significant difference in employment rates between graduates from technological universities and conventional universities.
**Dr. Wall:** Absolutely. We see graduates from technological universities securing employment at a higher rate, between 82-87%, compared to graduates from traditional universities, wich ranges from 64-85%. [[This difference can be attributed to the fact that a larger proportion of traditional university graduates choose to pursue further studies after completing their undergraduate degrees]].
**Host:** So, this suggests that a choosing a specific field of study might play a role in how quickly a graduate secures employment?
**Dr. Wall:** It certainly appears that way. Fields aligned with technological advancement and industry demands seem to offer more immediate job opportunities.
**Host:** Looking forward, what steps can be taken to ensure graduates are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this evolving job market?
**Dr. Wall:** It’s crucial for higher education institutions to remain adaptable and responsive to industry needs. This includes offering curricula that focus on practical skills and collaboration with industry partners to provide real-world experience.
**Host:** Dr. Alan Wall, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**dr. Wall:** My pleasure.
**Host:** And thank you for watching Archyde Answers. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on the issues that matter.
## Archyde Interview: Graduate Employment Rates – Examining the Trends
**Interviewer:** Today we’re joined by Dr. Alan Wall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to discuss the recent report on graduate employment rates in Ireland. Dr. Wall, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Wall:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The report highlights a slight dip in overall graduate employment rates compared to previous years. Can you elaborate on this trend and its potential causes?
**Dr. Wall:** Certainly. While employment rates remain high at 80%, a slight decrease from previous years is evident.This fluctuation can be attributed to a number of factors, including a more competitive job market and a shift in graduate aspirations, with more individuals opting for postgraduate studies or exploring alternative pathways.
**Interviewer:** The report also notes variations in employment rates across different academic disciplines. Could you shed some light on these discrepancies?
**Dr. Wall:** Significant variations do exist. For example, education graduates consistently enjoy high employment rates, reaching 90%. This reflects the continued demand for teachers in Ireland. Conversely, arts and humanities graduates see a lower employment rate of 65%, though they are more likely to pursue further academic qualifications, which can enhance their long-term employment prospects.
**Interviewer:** The report also highlights regional employment trends, with Dublin being the most popular location for graduate employment. What are some of the factors driving this concentration?
**Dr. Wall:** Dublin’s status as Ireland’s economic hub undoubtedly attracts a significant portion of graduates. The city offers a diverse range of employment opportunities across various sectors, which naturally draws graduates seeking career advancement.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what steps can be taken to ensure a strong and supportive surroundings for graduate employment in Ireland?
**Dr. Wall:** Collaboration is key. We need to continue working closely with industry leaders,educational institutions and government agencies to align curriculum with market demands,provide targeted skills training,and create more internship and mentorship opportunities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Wall, for providing valuable insights into this critically important topic.
**Dr. Wall:** My pleasure. I believe that by working together, we can continue to foster a dynamic and thriving employment landscape for Irish graduates.
**Interviewer:** To our viewers, thank you for joining us for this discussion. We encourage you to explore the full report, which offers a extensive analysis of graduate employment trends in ireland.
