IT@cork, European Tech cluster calls on Cork Students to consider Science and Tech Careers Ahead of CAO Deadline

18th June 2015

With 6,000 exciting vacancies in the IT sector alone, IT@cork wants to ensure that young people are fully aware of the opportunities available to them if they pursue science, engineering or technology courses at third level. Vacancies in the ICT sector have increased by 89% since the start of 2011, while earnings in the sector have also risen by 15% over the same period. With almost two thousand additional graduates required by the ICT sector per year from 2018, there is massive potential for students who pursue relevant third level courses.

As some parents and students may have concerns about whether they are suited for science, engineering or technology courses, a dedicated resource SmartFutures.ie has been made available to support students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors in the career decision making process. The site features real life career stories and video interviews with people working in a range of industries, so young people can find out about all the exciting opportunities for themselves.

Commenting ahead of the CAO deadline, Caroline O’ Driscoll, Vice chair of it@cork said:

“Ireland is host to major cutting edge international companies in the social media, video games and software industries; many of whom are located here in Cork. These companies require a steady stream of graduates to fill the jobs they are creating here. They offer exciting careers for people with skills like analytical thinking or programming and can offer rewarding careers in terms of employment prospects and the ability to travel the world. What’s important is that anyone sitting the Leaving Cert at the moment is to make sure that they have considered all the options. That’s why we’re encouraging them to visit SmartFutures.ie to see all the fantastic opportunities available and to hear first-hand from people working in diverse areas like space technology and cybersecurity.”

The Smart Futures programme, which is managed by SFI Discover and coordinated in partnership with Engineers Ireland, provides coordinated access for science and technology companies to reach out to young people and their parents and clarify what a career in science, technology or engineering actually involves.

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