Organisation Profile - Smart Futures

Android/ iOS Developer - A mobile app developer chooses either Google's Android or Apple's iOS mobile platforms to use, then learns the programming languages for that platform. Currently, there are five major mobile platforms, each with its own core language(s) and development procedures but this in a state of constant change to keep up with the pace of new technology. Find out more here.

Animator - Animators are artists who use old and new technology to produce animated films that stand alone or are for commercials, computer games, pop music videos and websites. They create films or visual effects for production companies, major animation studios and computer games companies, and use various computer animation programmes and tools to improve light, texture and shadow. Find out more here.

Computer Scientist - Computer science is the study of how data and instructions are processed, stored and communicated by computers. It involves designing software and addressing important scientific questions about computing procedures but also involves many aspects of hardware and physical components of a large computer systems. Computer scientists are scientists and mathematicians who develop new ways to process, understand, store, communicate, and secure data. Find out more here.

Games Designer -  Games developers design and programme games for a variety of formats, such as consoles, wireless applications, the internet and mobile phones. They are involved in various stages of the creation of a game. Most specialise in a particular area such as design, programming, animation, audio, editing or production. Lead designers coordinate the design aspects. A game mechanics designer works on the balance of the game and its rule system to allow the player to experience the full range of activity in the game. The environmental designer creates the different scenarios and environments of the game. Find out more here.

IT Security Specialist - Any computer connected to the Internet is vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber security is the technique used to protect computers and networks from these types of intrusions and from criminal attack. Specialists in cybersecurity are among the most sought-after professionals in the tech sector, as business and governments seek to fight off an increasingly daring and ruthless group of global cybercriminals and hackers. Find out more here.

Programmer -  Programmers write code. A programmer often works alone using a variety of computer languages, such as Visual Basic (.Net), Java (J2EE), XML and C++ to write software programmes. They modify the programme designs made by engineers and developers into a language that the computer can understand and follow. Find out more here.

Technical Writer - Technical writers turn complex, technical information into clear and simple language that is easy for either tech professionals or the general public to understand. They compose a variety of documents, such as software manuals, training manuals, assembly instructions, online customer service guides and technical reports. Technical writers often specialise in one field, such as software reporting or medical writing. Find out more here.

Web Designer - With a mix of skills from different backgrounds like IT, design and business, web designers design, test and maintain the websites and of companies and other organisations. They are familiar with programming languages such as HTML, ASP, JavaScript, C++, SQL and Visual Basic. Find out more here.

There is no typical employment contract in the ICT sector as it includes such a wide renge of employers and opportunities from small strart-up companies to large multinationls and everything inbetween.

Fulltime and parttime opportunities are available to suit your particular requirements.

Studying STEM subjects gives you a set of skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, design and communications, all of which are highly valued by many different types of employers.

How do you get involved?

If you are interested in learning more about coding why not try out one of the free Coder Dojo clubs all over the country?

Tech Week takes place in April each year all over Ireland, giving students, parents and teachers lots of opportunities to learn more about working in technology.

The most usual route into this sector is through taking a degree at a third level college, often following this with a post graduate qualification.

Some courses offer work placements during the programme which is particularly beneficial in obtaining employment after completing the degree.

Higher certificate courses (level 6) and ordinary degree programmes (level 7) are also available. Alternative routes include Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) qualification in general computing/IT certificate or diploma.  There are also many online resources to supplement learning.

Typical qualifications include Computer science, software engineering, information systems, business/management, physics/maths/applied science. Alternative routes include Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) qualification in general computing/IT certificate or diploma. 

There are also many online resources to supplement learning.