Online jobs portal launched to attract people to the West
A new online jobs portal which aims to attract people to make new lives in the west of Ireland has been launched by the Western Development Commission.
More and more people have been working remotely because of the pandemic, it says, and maybe now is the time to consider a permanent and viable move west with benefits including some of the lowest housing costs in the country.
Westernjobs.ie is a one-stop-shop giving jobseekers all they information they need about opportunities in the region and the benefits of moving there.
For employers, it is a window to the pool of talent available across each of the counties covered by the WDC – Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Galway and Clare.
The free portal will allow professionals thinking about a move west to stay updated on relevant positions based on their skills and preferences and it will connect them with employers and agencies across the region who can create company profiles and promote job opportunities targeted at talent that they know is interested in the region.
Already this year, the WDC says, hundreds of new jobs have been announced in the region with roles currently available in sectors like ecommerce, MedTech, IT and engineering.
Among the companies recruiting at present are Boston Scientific, Cora Systems, GSK, Aran Biomedical, Abbott, Aerogen, Harmac Medical, SITA Aero, Intel, SL Controls, Frankli and Beckman Coulter.
Apart from the career opportunities available, the Commission is also highlighting the quality of life open to people who chose to move west. It recently launched a ‘More to Life’ campaign which showcase benefits like a better work/life balance, lower property prices for renters and buyers, lower childcare costs, lower pupil-teacher ratios in primary schools and less commuting time.
WDC Chief Executive Officer Tomás Ó Síocháin said: “Westernjobs.ie is unique in that it will allow people to signal an interest to move west. Research carried out by the WDC indicates that while many people have already moved west over the last year, a significant number are considering the move west, if the right opportunity presents itself.
“As well as senior roles that are currently open, westernjobs.ie will help to attract other employers looking for talent and allow those that move the opportunity to get their next move and, more importantly to build a career,” he said.
“The WDC is supporting the transition to remote work and remote working hubs toward balanced regional development, this will be the first step many will take in finding out that there is more to life on Ireland’s Atlantic Coast,” he added.