Latest news with #skills
BreakingNews.ie
21 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Half of Irish adults say their DIY skills are ‘well below par', survey reveals
Nearly half of the Irish population (49 per cent) rate their DIY abilities at two stars or less, whilst over one in 10 (12 per cent) admit to having zero skills when it comes to home maintenance, a new survey has revealed. The nationwide survey, commissioned by insurance broker Gallagher in Ireland and conducted by iReach among 1,000 Irish adults, has revealed that there is a sizeable cohort of the general public (36 per cent) who are 'distinctly average' in the DIY department, awarding themselves just three out of five stars for their skills around the home. Advertisement The Gallagher poll paints a picture of an Ireland where confidence with tools is very much split along gender and generational lines. Commenting on the findings, head of personal lines at Gallagher in Ireland, Geraldine Kelly, said: 'Judging by our survey feedback, the perception that DIY is a male-dominated space still rings true to some extent. "What's really striking here is the gender gap in self-assessed ability – nearly 60 per cent of women rated themselves as two stars or less, compared to just 41 per cent of men. Whether that points to a lack of confidence or ability in women is up for debate'. Gallagher's survey asked individuals to rank how adept they are at basic home maintenance and improvement tasks such as hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing minor leaks, painting, and general upkeep. Advertisement While many of these jobs seem manageable, the risk of causing accidental damage can increase significantly without the right skills or equipment, Gallagher said. Other key findings from the survey include: Only 3 per cent of adults see themselves as master-level DIYers (5-star); 12 per cent believe they have earned a 4-star rating; Men were four times more likely than women to rate themselves 5-star (4 per cent vs. 1 per cent) and twice as likely to consider themselves 4-star DIYers (16 per cent vs. 8 per cent); 20 per cent of women awarded themselves a lowly 1-star, compared to just 9 per cent of men. 'There seems to be a confidence divide at play,' Kelly said. 'Whether it's exposure, education, or tradition, men are more likely to back themselves with a spanner. But that doesn't necessarily mean they're doing better jobs!' Age Those aged 35–44 emerged as the most confident cohort, with 18 per cent rating themselves either 4 or 5 stars – well ahead of the 11 per cent in the younger 25–34 group. Advertisement By contrast, 32 per cent of those over 55 said they were either a 1-star or zero-star DIYer. 'It might surprise some people to learn that those with most life experience are the least likely to believe in their own DIY skills. However, it might only be a reflection of changing lifestyles,' Kelly said. 'Older generations may be less physically inclined to take on DIY, or perhaps they're more inclined to hire professionals. Meanwhile, the 35–44 age group are often in the thick of homeownership, parenting, and maintenance'. Experts at Gallagher said they are keen to caution that no matter how good you think your skills are, it is important to understand the potential risks involved in even simple home maintenance jobs. Kelly said: 'Homeowners should be mindful that general upkeep is their responsibility, and neglecting it can lead to more serious, and costly, issues over time. In many cases, calling a professional may be the safer and more cost-effective option. "A cautious approach is a smart one. DIY can be rewarding but knowing when to step back and call a professional could save you a lot of stress, and money, in the long run'.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The changes to apprenticeships in construction, engineering, and healthcare
The government plans to create 120,000 new apprenticeship and training opportunities in England before the next general election, focusing on sectors like construction, engineering, and healthcare, to bolster the workforce and reduce reliance on migrant workers. Funding for up to 45,000 training places will be sourced by increasing the Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers recruiting from overseas by one-third. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the importance of this investment in skills for young people, highlighting its role in driving the economy forward and creating opportunities. From January 2026, funding will shift away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on lower-level training, while support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The Law Society has urged the Government to continue funding masters-level apprenticeships for those over 21, while Shadow Education Minister Neil O'Brien warned that scrapping higher apprenticeships will damage public services and limit access to professions for young people not attending university.
Tahawul Tech
3 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Positive Hack Camp Archives
Positive Technologies is on a mission to equip the next-generation of cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to help nations …
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Phillipson promises to ‘back the next generation' with training opportunities
Tens of thousands of apprenticeships and training opportunities have been promised as part of the Government's effort to increase workers' skills and cut net migration. Ministers have promised a total of 120,000 new training opportunities for construction workers, engineers, healthcare staff and other trades in England before the next general election. Up to 45,000 training places will be funded by hiking the charge paid by employers for bringing in foreign workers by a third. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we're backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive. 'When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our plan for change. 'But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we're taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it's now the responsibility of young people to take them.' The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025-26 is more than £3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32% to 'upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration'. As many as one-in-eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: 'International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years. 'With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.' The Law Society urged the Government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The society's president Richard Atkinson said: ' Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. 'Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.' Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned: 'The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS. 'It will make it impossible for many young people who don't go university to enter the professions. 'Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Government announces major changes to apprenticeships in new shake up
The government has pledged to create 120,000 new apprenticeship and training opportunities in England before the next general election, aiming to bolster the workforce and reduce reliance on migrant workers. These opportunities will focus on key sectors such as construction, engineering, and healthcare. To fund up to 45,000 of these training places, the government will increase the Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers recruiting from overseas by one-third. This charge, levied on companies sponsoring skilled workers from outside the UK, will contribute directly to training British workers. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasised the importance of this investment, stating: "A skilled workforce is the key to steering the economy forward, and today we're backing the next generation by giving young people more opportunities to learn a trade, earn a wage and achieve and thrive." She further highlighted the long-term economic benefits, adding, "When we invest in skills for young people, we invest in a shared, stronger economic future – creating opportunities as part of our plan for change." But everyone has a role to play in a thriving economy, and we're taking our responsibility seriously providing more routes into employment, it's now the responsibility of young people to take them.' The plans for 120,000 training places include an extra 30,000 apprenticeship starts across the current Parliament. The apprenticeship budget for 2025-26 is more than £3 billion. From January 2026, funding will be shifted away from masters-level apprenticeships to focus on training at lower levels, although support will be maintained for those aged 16-21 and existing apprentices. The immigration White Paper published earlier this month set out plans to hike the immigration skills charge by 32% to 'upskill the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on migration'. As many as one-in-eight 16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training. Sarah Yong, director of policy and public affairs at the Youth Futures Foundation said: 'International evidence shows apprenticeships are a highly impactful way to support young people to prepare for and access jobs, yet participation among under-25s, especially the most marginalised, has declined in recent years.' With stubbornly high youth unemployment and inactivity, rebalancing the apprenticeship system can encourage investment in youth apprenticeships and is a first step in enabling more young people to access good work.' The Law Society urged the Government to continue to fund masters-level apprenticeships for those aged over 21. The society's president Richard Atkinson said: 'Level 7 solicitor apprenticeships continue to be the only route outside of university to qualify as a solicitor due to specific qualifications set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.' Apprenticeships play a vital role in promoting social mobility.' Shadow education minister Neil O'Brien warned: 'The decision to scrap higher apprenticeships will do damage to the public services, particularly the NHS.' It will make it impossible for many young people who don't go university to enter the professions.' Numerous employers and professional bodies have warned about the damage scrapping higher apprenticeships will do, which is why this is being snuck out during recess.'
