Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe with over 36% under the age of 25 years. As many major European and global economies increasingly concern themselves with aging populations and the stresses an aging population places on an economy Ireland's unique demographic position places it in pole position in Europe to continue its economic expansion.

Almost 1 million people are in full-time education in Ireland and, according to the IMD World Competitiveness Report 2007, Ireland's educational system scored highest in the world for meeting the needs of a competitive economy.

Maritime workforce

Across the globe maritime firms are experiencing difficulties with the recruitment of personnel with sea and shore-based maritime skills. Ireland is in the enviable position of having a healthy and growing number of applicants for seafaring training. Ireland is one of the few European countries still training and placing ratings albeit aboard specialist vessels requiring a high level of boatmanship skills. The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) is one of the world's premier seafarer training facilities with state-of-the-art simulator technology at its disposal.

Through the Irish ISEAS fund the Irish government has made training cost neutral for shipping firms wishing to take on NMCI cadets. Recently the government has also been investing heavily in career training for officers and engineers wishing to further their education.

Also in 2008, the Irish branch of the Chartered Institute of Shipbroking has the highest number of students sitting ICS Exam. The diploma and foundation courses are supported by the IMDO