Tech industry joins forces to showcase career opportunities
Monday 12th December 2011 - Smart Futures, a national careers campaign and website (www.smartfutures.ie) for second-level students in Ireland, was today launched to highlight the vast number of diverse and interesting opportunities for young people in the technology sector. The ‘online careers fair’, being co-ordinated by ICT Ireland, the Irish Software Assocation and STEPS to Engineering with the support of Discover Science and Engineering, aims to highlight that for many young people a qualification in technology is a gateway to an exciting career. It is sponsored by industry companies such as Microsoft, Ericsson, SAP, HP and Cisco.
The first part of the campaign kicks off this week with a nation-wide competition that asks students to create a piece of digital content reflecting the theme ‘Smart Futures’. With some amazing prizes on offer including laptops, Xbox Kinect, iPad, home cinemas and smart phones and even work experience with top technology companies in Ireland, such as the Xbox Games Studio, there is no reason for students to be bored this Christmas!
Paul Sweetman, Director of ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association said: "5 of the top 10 exporters in Ireland are technology companies, and the sector is responsible for approximately one third of Ireland's total turnover. It is clear that supporting the technology sector, for future economic growth, is crucial. A key competitive advantage Ireland possess, which is continually referenced by technology companies, is the quality and quantity of skilled graduates available to work within the sector. In order to maintain and enhance this competitive advantage, industry and government must work together to highlight the great opportunities for sustainable and rewarding careers in the technology sector. Since January of this year, over 80 jobs a week have been announced in the sector. The 'Smart Futures Online Careers Fair' will play a leading role in broadcasting these opportunities to students and parents."
There are eight categories to enter: Animation, Audio, Game, Mobile App, Podcast, Tech Article, Video and Website. The deadline for entry is Friday 27th January 2012 and a full outline of competition categories, prizes and sponsors can be found on www.smartfutures.ie.
On 23 January 2012 a week long careers fair will take place on the website. Technology professionals from participating companies will be available each evening to answer career-related questions from students and guidance counsellors. Company profile pages are also available to give an overview of what these companies do, what kind of roles they have requirements for, what skill sets they are searching for and what it’s like to work there.
Follow the Smart Futures campaign at www.twitter.com/SmartFuturesIE and at www.Facebook.com/SmartFutures to become a part of the community and help encourage Irish students to discover how to create their smart future.
