Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   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.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Study product characteristics or customer requirements to determine validation objectives and standards.
• Analyse validation test data to determine whether systems or processes have met validation criteria or to identify root causes of production problems.
• Develop validation master plans, process flow diagrams, test cases, or standard operating procedures.
• Prepare detailed reports or design statements, based on results of validation and qualification tests or reviews of procedures and protocols.
• Maintain validation test equipment.
• Conduct validation or qualification tests of new or existing processes, equipment, or software in accordance with internal protocols or external standards.
• Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding compliance documentation or validation results.
• Prepare, maintain, or review validation and compliance documentation, such as engineering change notices, schematics, or protocols.
• Recommend resolution of identified deviations from established product or process standards.
• Design validation study features, such as sampling, testing, or analytical methodologies.

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.

 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.

The minimum level of education for a validation engineer is a bachelors degree in a science field and several years experience in the field of validation. Many validation technicians work towards their bachelors or masters degrees while employed by a lab so that upon graduation they have both their degree and work experience.

Depending on the type of equipment and facility the validation engineer should have a good mechanical understanding of laboratory equipment as well as a background in computers. Additional certification for calibration of equipment is often considered critical. Some pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies require additional training in Aseptic Processing Guidelines as well as GLP and GMP training.

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 skills development, automated software testing, software development.

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: software development, apps, games, network architecture.

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 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, software development, computing with software development, software systems development, applied computing, computer science, computing.

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: advanced software engineering, applied software development, computer science advanced, software development, computing, enterprise software systems, software design and development.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard courses ICT conversion, software development courses are also available via courses at NFQ level 6-9 search Springboard courses.

ICT Skillnet for job seekers & upskilling for people in employment.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar /CPL/ Collins McNicolas/ Indeed/ Salary Expert/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

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

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.

Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.

While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.

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