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.
•   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.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

An installation engineer usually reaches the best position for an aerial or dish by using ladders. They then test for signal availability using a meter.  
 
After installing the aerial, other activities include routing feeder cables and fitting cable to the receiving equipment, which includes televisions, videos, radio tuners and set-top boxes used with satellite and digital television. On complex installations the engineer may work from detailed plans.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
• Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
• Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
• Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
• Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
• Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
• Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
• Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
• Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
• Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.

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.

 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.

Training is normally carried out on-the-job. A background in electrics/electronics may be an advantage. People working as Aerial & Satellite Installers generally branch into this occupation using previously acquired trade skills.

The following Skills Certs may be required for this career: Manual Handling, Safe Pass, Working at Height.

Further Education courses including electrical or electronic engineering may be relevant.

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: engineering, technology operations, construction, overhead power lines.

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: electrics, construction skills, engineering, electronics.

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: Electrical, Telecommunications and Data Network Technician.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €42k

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

Data Source(s):
Payscale.com/ Glassdoor.ie/ Indeed.ie

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Electricians and electrical fitters, Telecommunications engineers, TV, video and audio engineers, IT engineers, Electrical and electronic trades n.e.c., Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors.

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

Overall employment growth was strong for this occupation with an additional 11,700 persons employed between 2019 and 2024; having declined in 2023, employment grew by 3,600 in 2024, almost returning to 2022 levels. There was a high volume of recent job hires for this occupation, indicating that job churn is a factor. Approximately 40% were employed in the construction sector, with a further 40% employed in either industry or the ICT sector. DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy posts were mainly for lines workers, electricians and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) engineers.

Difficult-to fill-vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey related to electricians in the construction sector while Skills for Growth data identified issued with sourcing electricians, mostly for utilities sector (including telecoms) and to a lesser extent manufacturing; digital and good communications skills were sought along with persons who were self-motivated. New employment permits were issued for roles including lines workers, electricians and field service engineers.

The demand for electricians spans a range of economic sectors beyond construction. In manufacturing, electricians with expertise in automation, robotics, etc will likely be in demand to maintain and repair onsite production and power systems, while the shift towards more sustainable energy solutions will require electricians to install and maintain various types of power systems (wind, solar, etc). Finally, although still small in number, the increasing number of electric vehicles (with further increases likely) will require electricians for EV charging infrastructure projects.

The number of Level 6 FET craft awards for electricians has risen sharply in recent years to 1,775 in 2023 (from 499 in 2019 and 1,087 in 2022), and despite a slight decline in 2024 (to 1,690 awards), remains at their highest levels observed over the last ten years. In 2024, new electrical apprenticeship registrations (at 3,074) were 8% higher than in 2023 and 58% higher than in 2019. Of the total electrical craft apprenticeship population as of June 2025, 94% were employed in the construction sector, with 4% in engineering-related activities.

The higher outputs from the apprenticeship system for this trade are helping to meet the increased demand for electricians. However, demand is expected to continue as a result of planned increases in activity in housebuilding and retrofitting (e.g. installation of solar photovoltaic panels) and for renewable energy projects. This may lead to shortages occurring for electricians.

Potential future skills shortage:

electricians

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