The availability of over 5,000 jobs in Ireland’s tech sector has contributed to a surge in demand for IT and science courses, it emerged today.
However, it is understood that applications for engineering courses are flat.
Points for admission to computer science courses at UCD, for example, have increased by 35 points to 410 points, while points for science increase 20 points to 455.
The Irish Computer Society welcomed the increase in demand for computing and other technology courses, following an analysis of this year’s CAO offers.
Jim Friars, CEO of the Irish Computer Society said: “We encourage anyone offered a place in computing to grasp this opportunity to work in one of the most influential fields.
Increase in IT employment
“The IT profession has proven to be one of the most resilient in terms of employment in Ireland, having actually increased in the past three years by more than 5,000.
“Having a strong pipeline of computing graduates is essential if Ireland is to maintain and attract further foreign direct investment. The computing graduates we are producing are among the finest in the world. What we need is more of them,” Friars said.
Friars said computing courses are challenging but the effort is worthwhile and rewarding.
“The benefits are many with the endless career possibilities. Ireland is currently home to eight of the world’s top 10 information and communications technology companies, which will open the door of opportunity to students for the future,” Friars added.
