Understanding the link between education and employment is crucial for adults considering further training, upskilling, or career changes. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) Labour Force Survey (LFS) for quarter 2, 2025, provides revealing insights into Ireland’s workforce, highlighting the qualifications held by adults and the types of jobs they occupy.
The survey found that among adults aged 20–74:
35% (1.27 million persons) hold qualifications at NFQ 1-4/5, equivalent to second-level education.
13% (455,300 persons) hold FET (Further Education and Training) qualifications at NFQ 4–6.
52% (1.89 million persons) hold third-level qualifications (NFQ 6–10), including higher education diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
Younger adults, particularly those aged 30–34, are more likely to hold third-level qualifications, reflecting Ireland’s ongoing investment in higher education. The data also highlights gender and citizenship trends: 68% of 30–34 year olds with higher education are female, and 56% are non-Irish citizens, demonstrating a diverse and well-educated workforce.
There is a clear correlation between education level and the type of work held:
Among third-level graduates:
69% are employed in high-skilled occupations
24% in medium-skilled roles
6% in lower-skilled positions
This underlines the significant advantage that higher education provides in accessing high-skilled, professional roles.
Sectoral employment also varies by education level. The CSO highlights that adults with different qualifications are concentrated in different industries:
NFQ 1–4/5 (second level) – largely Transport
NFQ 4–6 (FET) – strong presence in ICT
NFQ 6–10 (third level) – concentrated in Construction
In quarter 2, 2025, 59% of employed adults held a third-level qualification, underscoring the growing demand for highly educated workers. Between Q2 2021 and Q2 2025, employment increased across almost all education levels, except for NFQ 1–3, which saw a slight decline of 9,600 persons.
These trends demonstrate a clear shift towards a more highly educated workforce, where advanced skills and qualifications are increasingly linked to high-skilled, better-paid, and stable roles.
For adults considering returning to education or upgrading their skills, the CSO findings offer several takeaways:
Higher qualifications lead to better job prospects.
Those with third-level education are much more likely to secure high-skilled roles.
FET courses are a strong pathway to emerging sectors.
ICT and technology-focused FET qualifications offer routes into in-demand careers.
Continuous learning is key.
With employment growing primarily among those with post-secondary qualifications, upskilling can protect against job insecurity and help you remain competitive in the labour market.
Age and background are less of a barrier.
Younger adults, females, and non-Irish citizens are increasingly represented in higher education and skilled roles, reflecting Ireland’s inclusive approach to education and employment.
Whether you’re thinking about returning to study, completing a FET course, or pursuing a higher education programme, understanding labour market trends can help guide your choices. With a focus on upskilling and lifelong learning, you can increase your employability, secure higher-skilled roles, and position yourself for career growth.
At Nightcourses.com, we connect adults with a wide range of part-time, evening, and online courses to suit all schedules and goals. From professional diplomas to FET programmes, there’s an option to help you reach your career aspirations.
Invest in your future! The CSO data shows that education really does pay off.
