The Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD, has advised students to consider a career in technology. Vacancies in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector have increased by 89% since the start of 2011.
Commenting in June in relation to CAO choices, the Minister said: “There are currently over 6,000 job vacancies in the ICT sector alone and salaries have gone up by 15% since 2011. Over 44,000 job vacancies are forecasted for graduates with technology skills over the next three years. These vacancies will arise in the ICT sector and in the wider economy, and there are many different types of roles to suit different interests and talents.
“Technology is here to stay in our lives, and to meet the demand for ICT skills, higher education institutions around the country are offering a range of ICT courses. It’s a win-win for industry and students.
“So what I’m saying to students is: don’t rule it out until you check out the courses and careers on offer. Anyone not applying through the CAO process can consider courses on offer through Springboard+.”
Over 3,500 free ICT course places are on offer via Springboard+, with part-time and full-time conversion options available. A survey of Springboard+ ICT conversion graduates nationally recorded that 87% of respondents secured employment in the industry over the past 18 months.
A dedicated website, www.SmartFutures.ie, is also available to support people in the career decision-making process. The site features real life career stories and video interviews with people working in a range of diverse industries including space technology and cybersecurity.