At the launch of the new Midlands ICT Cluster Research, from left, Eileen O’Meara Hayes, programme administrator, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Dr Mary Giblin, lecturer in software engineering, TUS; John Costello, Midlands Regional Skills Forum manager; Emmet Kavanagh, marketing and communications manager, Midlands Ireland; Sinéad Pillion, head of programs and operations, Network Management Engineering, Ericsson Athlone and chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster; Dr Anne Cusack, chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Niall O’Somachain, senior business consultant, Intertrade Ireland; Sarah Morgan, programme manager, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Orla Martin, head of enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Offaly; Carole Green, midlands regional manager, IDA Ireland; Dr Enda Fallon, head of Department of Computer and Software Engineering, TUS.

ICT employers in midlands have high level of ‘critical vacancies’

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More than 70 per cent of firms that participated a survey on the midland ICT sector have “critical vacancies” at present. The Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey, carried out by the Midlands Regional Skills Forum on behalf of the Midlands ICT Cluster, found that there are opportunities for people with skills in cloud computing and software development (sought by 50% of respondents); data analytics, AI and machine learning (40%) and cyber security, networking, IT service management and project management (25%).

The survey found that more than 3,000 people are employed in ICT jobs in the midlands region – and regional companies expect to create up to 800 further ICT jobs in this area over the next three years.

Sinéad Pillion, head of Operations for Ericsson and industry chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster Steering Committee, said: “The launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey highlights the genuine opportunities that exist supporting the already strong ICT ecosystem in the region.

“With 93% of participants anticipating growth in the next three years, there will be significant job growth in tech for the midlands. Meeting that demand will require the ongoing collaboration between the regional skills forum and businesses.”

Dr Anne Cusack, chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee, added: “The results of the ICT Cluster Skills Survey can be seen as a great opportunity for the overall growth of the region. Attracting further talent to the midlands while also enhancing the existing talented workforce living in the region is a priority for both the steering committee and local businesses.”

John Costello from the Midlands Regional Skills Forum, who conducted the survey on skills, talent and education, said that the results contain a strong endorsement of work being carried out across the region, to enhance the level of skills available, from extensive schools programmes, to ICT career pathways, and third level qualifications.

The survey aligns with Future Jobs Ireland’s message, with a focus on skills and talent. The survey sought to identify critical vacancies, key skills needs, and other related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) relevant to the Midlands ICT Cluster.

The aim of the Midlands ICT Cluster is to develop the regional ICT industry through increased cooperation in research, development, funding and education.

Leading ICT employers in the region include Ericsson, Zinkworks and Sidero, as well a growing network of fast-growing start-ups, contributing to a vibrant and growing ecosystem.

The ICT Industry is one of four priority industry clusters in the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan 2024.

Centrally located, as Ireland’s most connected region, the midlands has a thriving ICT sector, attracting global talent to the heart of Ireland, serving global markets and within easy reach of Ireland’s urban centres.

To find out more about vacancies across the midlands see: midlandsireland.ie/work/vacancies/.

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