Investing in the future: Why supporting young talent makes business sense

Ireland’s future is looking brighter—especially for young jobseekers in Dublin and Cork. A new €1.6 million Empower Tech Futures Fund, backed by Rethink Ireland, JPMorganChase and others. It aims to tackle major barriers that keep marginalised young adults from accessing employment.

The idea behind the move is to bridge skill gaps, open doors, and help young people find lasting careers through training and real-world work placements. It’s a fantastic initiative, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for a government-backed fund to future-proof your business. You can start today by investing in the development of your entire workforce, particularly your younger staff.

So, here’s where to start.

The generation game

Let’s look at the bigger picture. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with nearly 1 in 5 people aged 15-29. That’s a significant portion of the population set to enter (or already in), the workforce. But here’s the catch: young workers are more likely to leave roles if they don’t see opportunities to develop.

In fact, a recent Irish survey found that 70% of employees under 35 stay with employers who offer learning and career development. So if you want to retain young talent, you need to offer more than a payslip—you need to offer meaningful development.

Skills shortage? Start training from within

Ireland’s skill shortages are not exactly a well-kept secret. From digital know-how to technical expertise, there’s a growing gap between the skills businesses need, and those available on the job market.

The Empower Tech Futures Fund highlights this challenge: young people often lack access to the skills employers are crying out for. But businesses can play a direct role in solving this issue by building skills internally. Upskilling isn’t just good for employees; it’s good for your bottom line. Companies that invest in learning and development see higher productivity, improved retention, and greater innovation.

Small steps, big impacts

We get it, not everyone gets a €1.6 million hand out (if only!), but you can make an impact with the right tools and mindset. Start by asking: what skills will your business need in the next few years? Are you helping your people get there?

Start by looking at e-learning options. Not to blow our own trumpet, but BrightLearn lets your staff access CPD-accredited courses anytime, anywhere. It makes learning fun with built-in tests, quizzes, and certificates. It’s also flexible, affordable, and keeps employees who are motivated by learning in the team.

But whether you use our software or not (no hard sell, promise), the point remains: the businesses that thrive are the ones who invest in their people. It’s about give and take, y’know?

The key takeaways

The Empower Tech Futures Fund is a brilliant reminder of the power of opportunity. But you don’t need to wait for funding rounds and big government programmes to make a difference.

Whether you’re running a café in Cork, or a consultancy in Dublin, developing your younger workforce today means a stronger business tomorrow. Thinking of investing in a Learning Management System as a first step? Book a free demo here, or chat to us on 1800 279 841 about every other way we can set your business up for success.