Tackling Non-Teaching Staff Shortages in the Education Sector

From administrative staff and IT support to cleaning and facilities management, the smooth operation of schools, colleges, and universities relies heavily on ensuring you have a strong network of non-teaching professionals working behind the scenes. However, ongoing staff shortages across the Irish education sector have made it increasingly difficult to attract and retain the right talent for these roles. 

With many institutions facing budget constraints, rising workloads, and an increased demand for flexible and hybrid staffing, employers in educational institutions need to ensure they can source cost-effective, reliable temporary staffing solutions to help maintain the operational performance of their organisation. That’s where specialist recruitment support can help to make a real difference. 

A fast, reliable way to fill staffing gaps 

Whether it’s processing student applications, maintaining campus facilities, or providing essential IT support, non-teaching staff play a vital role in the day-to-day running of educational organisations. But when staff shortages arise – whether due to illness, career moves, or seasonal demands – filling these roles quickly and efficiently is essential to avoid disruptions for the wider community. 

Many schools and colleges are already struggling with high workloads. According to the OECD, student-to-staff ratios in Irish universities are worse than the majority of participating countries, adding pressure on already stretched administrative and IT teams responsible for enrollment, digital services, and student support – and potentially taking focus away from other vital operations. 

Without sufficient admin staff, tasks like payroll processing, HR management, and student services can quickly start to suffer. Similarly, IT shortages can impact digital learning platforms, while a lack of cleaning or facilities staff can create health and safety risks for students and employees. 

Flexible staffing to support a changing work environment 

Staff shortages in the education sector aren’t always predictable. From increased admin workloads at the start of a school term, to additional facilities staff needed during exam periods, demand fluctuates throughout the year. 

For educational institutions operating on tight budgets, hiring full-time staff for every requirement isn’t always possible. That’s why a flexible, on-demand staffing solution can be the perfect way to manage workforce changes without exceeding costs for a given period. 

With a dedicated pool of experienced candidates available, Unijobs helps employers fill temporary vacancies in key areas, including: 

• Administration & Student Services: From receptionists and HR support to finance and payroll specialists, we provide experienced admin professionals to ensure the smooth running of day-to-day operations. 
• IT Support & Digital Services: As schools and universities increasingly rely on digital learning, having qualified IT support is critical to ensuring systems stay up and running. 
• Facilities & Cleaning Staff: Maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient environment is vital. Whether you need cleaners, caretakers, or maintenance staff, our expert recruiters can help provide you with reliable, vetted professionals. 
• Exam Invigilators & Seasonal Staff: Peak periods often require temporary staff to keep operations running smoothly. Our team can help to supply trained professionals to assist during exams, admissions, and specialist projects as required. 

Public sector recruitment saving you time & resources 

Remove the time-consuming stress of finding and vetting candidates for non-teaching roles. With the education sector facing increasing workloads and rising recruitment costs, you’ll need a streamlined, hassle-free solution that doesn’t put added pressure on your HR staff. Our team at Unijobs can help you simplify the process by: 

• Pre-screening and vetting all candidates, ensuring they meet your specific requirements. 
• Managing compliance and payroll, reducing administrative burdens for your HR team. 
• Offering a cost-effective staffing solution tailored to the needs of your educational institution. 

As a public sector recruitment provider, Unijobs understands the unique challenges facing schools, colleges and universities. Whether you need an urgent temporary placement or long-term support, we provide high-quality, reliable staff to ensure your institution runs efficiently, without overstretching budgets. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.