Newstalk Nation Survey - Education

Wednesday, 1st February 2012

70% think the IT sector presents the best opportunities for young people in Ireland today

Nearly 79% believe the CAO points system is in need of reform

A survey of over 1,000 Newstalk listeners has revealed that they believe the IT sector presents the best opportunities for young people in Ireland today, with professions such as medicine and teaching trailing in second place.

Nearly 80% believe that the CAO points system as a method of allocating entry to third level education in need of reform with 41% thinking it should include more continuous assessment.

65% of our respondents believe that third level universities are not adequately training students for jobs of the future. 70% think the IT sector presents the best opportunities for young people in Ireland today. Some of those surveyed commented:

"Ireland needs to build a broad ranging economy rather than all eggs in one basket type"

"IT is probably the best shot but we really need more business courses that encourage entrepreneurial activity. Depending on others to hire you is simply too dangerous now."

53% believe trade industries such as building, painting, and carpentry are possibly careers to avoid in the future. The finance sector came in second place as another are to avoid. Many also commented that you shouldn’t ‘avoid’ any kind of profession if that’s really what you want to do as a career:

"Avoid professions which are temporarily in vogue. Refer to the dot com boom, building boom, etc."

"You can't tell them to avoid anything - you have to look at their natural talents."

"I wouldn't advise against a career, study what you enjoy and it will work out if you work at it and take your opportunities."

84% of those surveyed think it’s unacceptable for teachers to take classes in subjects that they do not have a primary third level qualification for. While 60% believe that teachers don’t undergo enough ongoing training throughout their careers.