In advance of the CAO change of mind deadline on July 1st, IT Sligo is encouraging students in the region to consider a career in technology.
With 6,000 job vacancies currently in the technology sector alone, IT Sligo wants to ensure that prospective students are fully aware of the opportunities available to them if they pursue an ICT course in further or higher education and training.
Vacancies in the technology 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 with ICT skills required per year from 2018, there is massive potential for students who choose an ICT course.
IT Sligo has more than 200 places for students on cutting edge computing and technology courses, available for students to commence this autumn.
A Higher Diploma in Computing is a free online ICT course, which is available via Springboard+, with part-time and full-time conversion options. See www.springboardcourses.ie to view courses and apply. 87% of Springboard+ ICT conversion graduates nationally secured employment in the industry over the past 18 months.
Commenting ahead of the CAO deadline, Henry McGarvey, Head of Department of Computing & Creative Practices said:
“Ireland is host to major international companies in the social media, video games and software industries as well as a growing indigenous base of Irish tech companies. All of these companies require a steady stream of graduates to fill the jobs being created on a weekly basis. They need graduates with a range of ICT skills, in particular analytical thinking and programming. People with ICT skills can look forward to rewarding careers, working in cutting edge fields.”
IT Sligo offers a range of supports for incoming students on ICT courses, including excellent teaching, learning, and guidance. Our graduates secure high quality jobs in companies in the region that include Overstock, Trojan IT & Compupac IT Solutions.
A dedicated resource 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.