A RECENT Fás survey looked at areas where positions were still difficult to fill. It identified the following areas of opportunity:

Software developers:highly experienced individuals in software development with competencies and expertise in networks and specific software applications, eg Java.

Sales representatives:specialised sales reps with experience and skills relating to technical or specific product knowledge, such as medical reps or language skills

Accountants:with expertise in regulation, compliance and risk

Nurses:with specialities

Engineers:various types including quality control, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical design engineers.

Scientists:including chemical and laboratory scientists

Managers:in areas such as project management and credit control