Thinking of a move to Ireland? Or perhaps you're daydreaming of a career change? We've put together a list of the top in-demand jobs in Ireland for 2024 to help you determine which career path will offer the most opportunity.
A great indication of the gaps is to look at the Critical Skills List 2024, a list of occupations fast-tracked to gaining employment in Ireland. Engineering & construction, science, ICT and health services sectors are all sectors experiencing rapid growth, with specialists in those fields in high demand.
Engineering
Engineers Ireland projected the creation of 6,000 engineering jobs in 2024.There is a huge demand for all skill levels and types of engineers in Ireland, however some roles stand out more than others:
Civil, Structural, and Site Engineers: With numerous construction projects underway, including infrastructure development and urban planning, these engineers are in high demand.
Software Engineers: The tech industry continues to grow, driving demand for software engineers skilled in various programming languages and development frameworks.
Mechanical Engineers: Vital in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors, mechanical engineers are needed for design, testing, and optimization of mechanical systems.
Construction
The construction industry is also looking for skilled professionals. Last year, the Irish Government predicted the creation of 50,000+ new construction jobs between 2023 - 2030, especially in these roles:
BIM Managers: As digital representation in construction grows, the need for BIM managers who can oversee these processes is increasing.
Project Managers: These professionals are crucial for planning, executing, and completing construction projects on time and within budget.
Science
The science sector is thriving with opportunities in fields like:
Data scientists: Combining skills in computer science, statistical modeling, and encryption, data scientists are essential for analysing complex data to support decision-making in various industries.
Biotechnologists: The demand for biotechnologists is rising as they play a key role in developing new medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
Ireland's ICT services sector has seen significant growth, with employment almost doubling since 2010. The most in-demand ICT roles are as follows:
Software Engineers: The demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow, especially in areas related to app and system development.
Cybersecurity Experts: With increasing cyber threats, cybersecurity experts are crucial for protecting data and maintaining digital security.
Cloud Computing Specialists: As more businesses move to cloud-based solutions, specialists in this field are in high demand.
Health Services
According to a quote from the Minister of Health, "there are 28,480 more staff working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. That’s a 24% increase in this period and includes an additional 9,614 nurses and midwives." The health service sector is still growing steadily, with especially high demand for the following professions:
Healthcare Assistants: With an ongoing need for support in hospitals and care facilities, healthcare assistants remain highly sought after.
Nurses: The demand for nurses continues to be high, especially those with specialized skills in areas such as ICU and emergency care.
Medical Laboratory Technicians: These professionals are essential for diagnosing diseases and conducting research, making them highly valuable in the healthcare sector.
Whether you're aiming to advance in your current career or considering a completely new path, these in-demand jobs in Ireland present fantastic opportunities for growth and success in 2024. If you're planning to move to Ireland, the roles we've highlighted are eligible for a Critical Skills Permit. To learn more about applying for a critical skills permit, visit our website.
Additional sources: Construction Ireland, Dublin.ie, Eida, Groom & Associates