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.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Developing and Building Teams Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
•   Developing Objectives and Strategies Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Working Life

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Direct daily operations of department, analysing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines.
• Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems.
• Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
• Assign and review the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer-related workers.
• Provide users with technical support for computer problems.
• Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise staff, or participate in staffing decisions.
• Stay abreast of advances in technology.
• Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements.
• Develop and interpret organisational goals, policies, and procedures.

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

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 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.

There are many pathways to developing skills for a career in ICT team leader.

Digital Skillnet 

Springboard courses

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:  ICT systems, tech support engineer, IT network security, IT support specialist, general management, project management, prince-2, scrum master.

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: cloud computing, cloud computing with coding, computer applications and mobile technologies, ICT and networking, pre-apprenticeship.

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: ICT: Cybersecurity, Network Engineer, Software Developer, Software Solutions Architect.

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: computing, computer science, computer engineering, stem related area, science, technology, engineering, maths.

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: cloud computing, security, computer infrastructure, cloud technologies, ICT management.

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)* €45k - €80k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Azon/ Collins McNicholas

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Web design and development professionals, Information technology & telecommunications professionals n.e.c.

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

Employment growth was significantly above average for this occupation, with particularly strong growth between 2022 and 2023 (an additional 6,500 persons). Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and holding third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (37% compared to 19% nationally).

Although the number of employment permits issued declined by 1,600 between 2022 and 2023, this occupation had the highest share of permits issued in 2023 across the ICT occupations for roles including data engineers, IT analysts/engineers (systems, security, cloud, network, test, technical support), With the third highest share of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) across all occupations, roles included IT business analysts, architects and systems designers. Vacancies were mentioned as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey for security/network/site reliability engineers and solutions architects, while network engineers were noted as difficult to source in the Skills for Growth data.

Demand for these roles is evident from the data and with the continued cybersecurity threats, and the emergence of advanced technologies (e.g. AI, machine learning and Blockchain), demand is expected to persist particularly for security engineers.

• Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (IMCA)

  • 19 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
  • (01) 533 0814
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Computer Society

  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here