Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Working Life

There are several different areas of work within the Localisation area:

Quality Assurance Engineer (Tester) A quality Assurance Engineer liaises with the Localisation Engineer to resolve any software problems. The Quality Assurance Engineer develops a testing strategy for each product/business solution and is responsible for testing the software throughout its development. They also identify, categorise and prioritise bugs, and report on these bugs.

Localisation Engineer He/she is responsible for debugging and fixing software localisation problems, building software and making changes to strings, resources and dialogs. They also support and liaise with the translation specialists and the in-house quality assurance team, to handle queries, as well as creating the translation toolkit for the software/business solution.

Help Engineer The help engineer is responsible for building and testing of the on-line help for localised products. They liaise with in-house quality assurance specialists with regard to bug fixing; they provide support to the translation specialists and create the translation toolkit for the help option.

Localisation Project Manager A Localisation Project Manager is responsible for overall project co-ordination of one or more projects involving one or more languages. They set schedules for projects with Localisation Engineers and Language Specialists. They liaise with the Localisation Supervisor, Translation Automation Co-ordinator, Help Engineer and DTP specialists to ensure that internal resources for the project are available. A Localisation Project Manager may also source translation agencies and agree prices. Project Manager's also dispatch the translation toolkit i.e. source files, English product, glossaries, and translation tools, for each project.

Localisation Project Manager A Localisation Project Manager is responsible for overall project co-ordination of one or more projects involving one or more languages. They set schedules for projects with Localisation Engineers and Language Specialists. They liaise with the Localisation Supervisor, Translation Automation Co-ordinator, Help Engineer and DTP specialists to ensure that internal resources for the project are available. A Localisation Project Manager may also source translation agencies and agree prices. Project Manager's also dispatch the translation toolkit i.e. source files, English product, glossaries, and translation tools, for each project.

Language Co-ordinator This person is responsible for the improvement of the overall language quality of translations both from agencies and machine translation output. They are responsible for the management of the production of glossaries, liaising with external revisers, and the translation of strings for in-house Help and Localisation Engineers when required.

Translation Automation Specialist He/she is responsible for assessing translation tools (machine translation, translation memory, terminology stems) on the market and the implementation of these tools when required. The Translation Automation Specialist advises the Localisation Co-ordinator what translation tools are to be used in a project, and liaises with the Language Specialists with regard to the maintenance of translation tools.

Desktop Publishing Specialist He/she is responsible for handling the collection of documentation files from Technical Writers. Pre-Desk Top Publishing and Style Sheet management for documentation prior to translation is also the responsibility of the DTP Specialist. They also give final approval on printed material, and provide cost management on the output of the film required for printing.

The ideal candidate needs to have a combination of qualifications, such as a languages degree with computer science or business or, alternatively, technical experience or a postgraduate conversion course in the IT area, or technical writing and a translation qualification.

Knowledge of software localisation tools is useful, although training in localisation tools is often provided. Other skills sought include excellent written and verbal communication skills, well-developed organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to strict deadlines. The ability to work effectively as part of a team, a willingness to learn, problem-solving skills and initiative are also important.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Design test plans, scenarios, scripts, or procedures.
• Document software defects, using a bug tracking system, and report defects to software developers.
• Identify, analyse, and document problems with program function, output, online screen, or content.
• Develop testing programmes that address areas such as database impacts, software scenarios, regression testing, negative testing, error or bug retests, or usability.
• Participate in product design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, product designs, schedules, or potential problems.
• Document test procedures to ensure replicability and compliance with standards.
• Plan test schedules or strategies in accordance with project scope or delivery dates.
• Conduct software compatibility tests with programmes, hardware, operating systems, or network environments.
• Test system modifications to prepare for implementation.
• Monitor bug resolution efforts and track successes.

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

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 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.

 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.

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:

Software Developer, ICT Systems and Principles for IT Professionals, Automated Software Testing. 

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: Computer Science, software Development, Computing (Software Development),Programming, App Design, UX Software development. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Network Engineer Associate, Software Developer Associate, Software Solutions Architect, Cybersecurity Associate. 

Search for Apprenticeships

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: Business Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computing and IT, Creative Computing, Software Development.  

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Applied Software Development, Computer Science- Software Development, Software Development,  Languages Cultures & Linguistics - Localisation.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €95k

Salaries vary by employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Archer/ Brightwater/ Clark/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Programmers and software development professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Although employment growth was above average for this occupation, employment levels declined in 2023, returning to 2021 levels (but remaining far above pre-COVID-19 levels). At 47%, this occupation has the second highest share of non-Irish citizens employed (alongside chefs, with the highest share for butchers). Only one fifth were female and over three quarters were employed in the ICT sector.

Over 1,800 new permits were issued in 2023, a decline of 2,500 on 2022 and accounting for over half of the decline in permits issued for this occupational group. Despite a large fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) compared to the previous year, this occupation still accounted for the fourth largest share in 2023. There was a relatively high volume of difficult-to-fill mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey (various developer roles) and employer data (Skills for Growth, Spotlight on Skills) highlighted issues sourcing VR developers, junior software developers, computer programmers and those with skills in cyber security, AWS and tech development stack.

There are some signs of a slowdown in demand and hirings in this occupation after the significant expansion in the ICT sector in recent years. However, demand continues, both in the ICT sector and across all sectors in the economy, with shortages likely to persist for the foreseeable future.

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