One hundred technology graduates will have the chance to fast-track their careers with the launch of this year’s ICT Ireland Graduate Placement Programme.
Run by ICT Ireland, the IBEC association which represents the technology sector, and supported by Engineers Ireland, the programme provides placements to over 100 graduates every year in some of Ireland’s leading technology companies.
This year’s ICT companies taking part include Intel, IBM, Dell, Analog Devices, Microsoft, Ericsson, Vistatec, Semantec, Pramerica and SAP.
“The decline of students choosing ICT courses over recent years is a major concern to Irish industry and could cause major problem for companies recruiting in the coming years. The programme aims to create a pool of highly trained graduates and will help fast-track students’ careers in the dynamic high-tech sector,” said ICT Ireland director Kathryn Raleigh.
She added that the unique feature of the programme is that it covers a range of companies, not just one. “There are opportunities for graduates in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, in companies both large and small. Graduates can apply directly to the company that is most appropriate to their needs.”
Companies as well as graduates benefit from the programme. According to Aisling Teillard, human resources director with SAP, “with 750 employees and two sites across both Dublin and Galway we are constantly searching for top talent and we have gained great success in attracting high-calibre graduates in the past”.
One of the requirements is that candidates should have graduated in the last two years. Successful candidates will kick-start their careers with a 6-12 month placement in one of the 20 participating companies nationwide. More than 350 graduates have come through the programme since it was set up four years ago. Participating companies are inviting applications from graduates of electronic and ICT-related engineering and computing science courses.
By Elaine Larkin
