Working Life

Radio Officers perform operational duties appropriate to the provision by the Authority of Aeronautical Mobile, Fixed and Broadcast Communications services to international aviation. Radio Officers are based in Ballygirreen, Co. Clare.

Further Information

• Radio Officer - Aviation- from: IAA

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Radio officers will undergo training that includes theoretical knowledge, practical training, gaining of experience and assessment. Following which the Irish Aviation Authority will licence them to work as an Aeronautical Radio Communication Officer.

Entry requirement: Irish Aviation Authority 

• Applicants must have passed at least five subjects in the Leaving Certificate (Mathematics essential) with a minimum of Grade C in, at least, two higher level papers.
• An equivalent second level qualification is acceptable or an equivalent or higher level third level qualification is also acceptable provided that the applicant has passed Mathematics.
• English language proficiency is essential.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: communications, customer service, office administration, aviation airline studies.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: communications, customer service, office administration, aviation airline studies.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: communications, aviation management.

Search for CAO Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
IAA Payscale/ Payscale/ Indeed

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Following some fluctuations in the intervening years, employment in 2024 returned to 2019 levels (declining by 2,600 persons since 2023). Combined, van drivers and bus/coach drivers accounted for approximately three quarters of employment in this occupation with the remainder being train/tram drivers and air/rail/marine transport operatives. Over a third in this occupation were aged 55 years or older which will likely lead to increased replacement demand in the coming years.

Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating a high level of job churn. There was also a relatively large volume of vacancy posts on DSP Jobs Ireland for bus and coach drivers, driven by significant recruitment campaigns by Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus. In addition, there was a small number of employment permits issued for bus and coach drivers.

Issues with recruitment for this occupation relate to bus and coach drivers only; expansion of bus services nationwide is also fuelling increasing demand and although there has been significant recruitment of drivers recently, turnover and replacement are resulting in a continuation of shortages.

Skills shortage:

Bus and coach drivers

• Irish Aviation Authority

  • The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2
  • +353 1 603 1100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here