ICT Skills Survey Finds Potential for over 800 New Midlands Tech Jobs by 2026

The Midlands is set to continue its growth as an increasingly important ICT hub, new research published today suggests. According to the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey, regional companies expect to create up to 800 new ICT jobs over the next 3 years, in addition to over 3,000 already employed in the sector across the region.

The research was carried out by the Midlands Regional Skills Forum, an industry and education partnership, on behalf of the Midlands ICT Cluster. A key finding from the forum was that currently over 70% of companies responding have critical vacancies. Opportunities exist for people with skills in the following areas:

Cloud computing and software development (sought by 50% of respondents).
Data analytics, AI and machine learning (40%)
Cyber security, networking, IT service management and project management (25%).

93% of respondent companies anticipate continued growth

Ms. 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 this 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, stated, “the results of the ICT Cluster Skills Survey can be seen as a great opportunity for the overall growth of the Midlands 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.”

Mr. John Costello from the Midlands Regional Skills Forum who conducted the survey on skills, talent and education, commented on the findings, “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. Most notably by the fact that 60% of businesses anticipate being able to hire from the pool of talented people already living in the region.”

The survey aligns with Future Jobs Ireland’s strategic 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 survey was undertaken on behalf of the Midlands ICT Cluster by the Skills & Talent Working Group and the Midlands Regional Skills Forum.

Read the full Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey

Pictured at the launch of the Midlands ICT Cluster Skills Survey report were (l to r): Eileen O’Meara Hayes, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Dr. Mary Giblin, Technological University of the Shannon; John Costello, Midlands Regional Skills Forum; Emmet Kavanagh, Midlands Ireland; Sinéad Pillion, Ericsson Athlone & Chair of the Midlands ICT Cluster; Dr. Anne Cusack, Chair of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Niall O’Somachain, Intertrade Ireland; Sarah Morgan, Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan; Orla Martin, Local Enterprise Office Offaly; Carole Green, IDA Ireland; Dr. Enda Fallon, Technological University of the Shannon

About the Midlands ICT Cluster

The ICT Industry is one of 4 priority Industry Clusters for the Midlands in our 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.
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 Midlands ICT Cluster sees industry of all scales joining with public and academic sectors to ensure the development of the ICT sector in the region. The aim of the cluster is to develop the regional ICT industry through increased cooperation in research, development, funding and education to ensure continued success for ICT in the Midlands Region.

About the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan

The thriving enterprise sector in the Midlands is supported by the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan. The Midlands continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the country in terms of job creation, with strong performances from all sectors.
The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee is focused on achieving the strategic objectives for the region, and brings together all key stakeholders in the region for a triple helix approach of industry, government and academia.
With our regional enterprise plan, the Midlands has clear objectives and actions across 3 key areas:

Climate Action – transition to a climate neutral economy
Build on achievements to date in sectors in which the region has competitive advantage through Smart Specialisation and wider adoption of digitalisation within business.
Placemaking – position the Midlands as a community of choice in which to live, create, study, work, visit and invest.