Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Test, maintain, and monitor computer programmes and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programmes and systems.
• Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
• Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
• Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
• Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
• Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
• Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
• Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programmes.
• Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organisation to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
• Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: ICT skills development, software development. 

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Software development, apps, games, network architecture. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Software Development Associate Professional, Cyber security, Software solution architect

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Computer science, ICT, computing, software engineering. 

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Advanced software engineering, applied software development, computer science, advanced software development, computing, enterprise software systems, software design/ development. 

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €100k

Salaries vary by employer, location, role, duties, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / Lincoln/ Archer/ Abrivia/ Azon/ Clark

Last Updated: April, 2024

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: IT business analysts; architects and systems designers; Web design and development professionals; Information technology and telecommunications professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The negative average annual employment growth rate over the five-year period for this occupation is partly related to changes in the LFS in 2017; however, employment has declined annually since 2020. Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and held third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (41% compared to 19% nationally).

Despite the decline in employment, over 3,500 new employment permits were issued in 2022 across a range of roles including IT analysts/engineers (cloud, security, systems, network, test), There was a high volume of mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for network/security and site reliability engineers while vacancies for software testers were cited as difficult to fill by employers in the Skills for Growth data, particularly for those with cybersecurity, cloud computing and HTML skills. The number of online job adverts declined by 12% in 2022, predominantly due to the fall in postings for systems analysts which alone accounted for nearly half the total decline in ICT job postings in 2022.

Despite falling employment numbers, strong demand remains evident across the indicators in key areas such as network/cloud and security engineering. The move to remote working since the onset of the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, have increased the prevalence of cybersecurity threats39 with demand for these skills likely to persist. The fall in online vacancy advertisements indicates a slowing in demand but shortages remain, at least in the short-term.

• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Software Association

  • Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot St. Dublin 2
  • (01) 605 1500
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Cyber Ireland

  • 021 4326235
  • Click Here