What It’s All About?

The global computer hardware market has grown steadily and is forecast to expand substantially in the coming years. Ireland has a dynamic and flourishing software industry with sixteen out of the top twenty global software companies based here. It is the second largest exporter of software, computer and IT services in the world. The demand for computer hardware is set to continue and be propelled by this growth in the ICT sector & Ireland’s strong research and development reputation.

A number of factors will drive this growth. The explosion of more computer based technologies into every aspect of our lives will require more hardware as well as software. Some examples include the demand for high performance desktop pcs for high resolution gaming, video editing and 3D printing. The move towards remote working has seen an increase in demand for portable devices such as laptops and tablets. The Medtech sector is constantly developing innovative new products to diagnose, monitor and treat disease, these will all have a hardware component. Assistive technology such as mouses, adaptive keyboards and glasses are being developed to support disabled people.  Smart homes require a hardware device called a smart home hub to remotely control heating, lighting, appliances and security systems. With over half the world’s population living in cities, Smart cities use the IOT (Internet of Things) network of connected devices to monitor areas such as air pollution, water quality, crime and traffic management to improve the quality of life and generate economic growth for their citizens. The city of Singapore is considered to be one of most advanced in creating a fully smart city.

Computer Hardware and Manufacturing in Ireland

Hardware Engineers research, design, build, test, maintain and repair hardware in computers, laptops, medical devices, mobile phones, smartwatches, smart toys, games consoles, printers, drones, or any of the vast range of technology and electronic devices that are embedded in our daily lives. 

They are responsible for the processing units, memory and storage, chips, circuit boards, sensors, displays, data cabling and switching, printers, and keyboards on computer equipment.  They install computer hardware and networking tools to ensure they operate effectively. They work on a wide range of applications across multiple industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Banking, Consumer Electronics, Healthcare, ICT, Manufacturing, Medtech and Telecommunications.

Crucial to every device are integrated circuits commonly known as chips. These are vital to industry. Ireland has a well established, thriving semiconductor industry that directly employs over 20,000 people. Intel has been operating in Ireland since 1989. Ireland hosts the only Fab (Fabrication Plant) in Europe, and the largest outside of the USA. It uses leading edge semiconductor technology to mass produce chips for the most demanding computer applications. Analog Devices, operating in Ireland since 1979, is another example of a highly successful semiconductor manufacturing company which has its own R + D centre, producing innovative new products. The market for semiconductors is forecast to grow to $1,065bn by 2030. The new EU Chips Act aims to increase the EU’s global market share in semiconductors from 10pc to at least 20pc by 2030 to ensure availability and help protect against future supply chain issues.   

Innovation and research are at the heart of the ICT sector in Ireland. The Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s flagship research institute in ICT hardware and systems and European semiconductor research. The CRANN (the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices) based in Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s leading nanoscience institute. Together, their research into new materials and devices helps support the development of the hardware sector.

Skills and Knowledge

Most hardware engineering positions required a third level qualification, usually in computer science, computer engineering, electronic engineering, information technology or a related discipline. Further information on Electronic Engineering is available here. Many courses in this sector may initially be broad based giving you the opportunity to specialise in hardware engineering as the course progresses.

As roles become more multidisciplinary, hardware skills combined with software development, coding languages and network skills are highly sought after. Whilst you should have an aptitude for maths, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills are just as important. As well as technical skills you should have good communication skills to work effectively as part of a team.

There are multiple pathways to join the IT sector where there are skills shortages. These options include;

• FIT Tech Apprenticeships where you learn and earn, are open to school leavers or those who wish to upskill or retrain. Further information available here.
• ICT Skillnet offers free and subsidised training, part-time & online, in critical technology skills. Further information available here.
• Springboard Courses offer free and heavily subsidised courses, including ICT skills conversion courses, to address skills shortages. Further information is available here.
• Further information on careers in Data Centres is available here
• Further information on careers in Cybersecurity is available here

Employment in ICT has increased by a third in Ireland to a new high of 174,000. Growth in highly skilled software development and systems analysts jobs have contributed to much of this growth but there is also a demand for hardware engineers. Any of the routes described above will give you the opportunity to work in this dynamic, thriving sector which offers excellent opportunities for career advancement.