Operatives

Key points for selected operatives and related occupations

• There were approximately 72,000 persons employed in operative occupations, accounting for 4% of Ireland‘s workforce
• Employment of operatives was predominantly concentrated in manufacturing (mainly in the following areas: food products; machinery and equipment; basic pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical preparations; and computer, electronic and optical products) and construction
• Employment of operatives grew at an average annual rate of 1.5% (in contrast to negative national growth of 3.9% on average annually) between 2007 and 2011; there were approximately 4,000 net job gains over that period, the largest absolute increase in employment was for food, drink and tobacco operatives (9,300), while the largest decrease was for plant and machine operatives (6,500)
• Between 2010 and 2011, employment of operatives expanded by 20%, resulting in 12,000 net additional jobs; most of the job creation was for food, drink and tobacco operatives and routine process operatives
• Construction operatives had the most mature workforce among the selected occupations — with just over one fifth aged 55 and over
• The overall educational attainment levels of operatives was skewed towards the lower end of the skills spectrum ― one of the lowest education profiles economy-wide; the share of all employed persons in each occupation who held lower secondary or less qualifications (excluding assemblers) and higher secondary/FET qualifications was above well above the national average
• The share of non-Irish nationals represented in the workforce of most operative occupations exceeded the national average; at 45%, the highest share was for food, drink and tobacco operatives
• With the exception of assemblers and other routine operatives, the workforce of each occupation was predominantly male

Shortage Indicators

There are currently no shortages of operatives in Ireland.