Accenture’s Wendy Walsh discusses the health of Ireland’s technology sector and the importance of consistent upskilling.
According to Accenture’s Wendy Walsh, citing results from a recent Talent Tracker report, over the past six months Ireland has seen a rise of more than 11pc in the demand for qualified technology professionals. “Driven not just by growth, but by reinvention,” said the talent and organisation lead.
She elaborated that “organisations are responding with flexible working models that help attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market”, with AI undoubtedly accelerating the pace of change as it increases the need among companies and institutions for reliable digital and data infrastructure.
In turn, this is further fuelling the demand for a workforce skilled in areas such as cloud and cybersecurity. Demand for these jobs has risen by 27pc, while remote roles are becoming a strategic advantage when attempting to access a diversely talented pool of potential applicants, according to Walsh.
“With post-pandemic operating models now well established, organisations are better equipped to support hybrid work,” she added. “This has enabled a lifestyle shift that many professionals are embracing, particularly as rising living costs prompt people to move beyond the bigger cities.”
As hybrid working facilitates this transition, careers rooted in technology are becoming far more accessible and inclusive, especially as the industry moves away from being considered “a standalone sector”.
Walsh explained, tech is “embedded across industries”.
“As AI and automation evolve, more professionals are discovering a tech dimension to their roles, further expanding the talent landscape.”
A healthy outlook
With Ireland’s tech sector “undergoing a powerful reinvention, driven by advancements in AI and innovation”, she noted that the surge in demand for talent in cloud, cybersecurity and AI is reflective of a sector that is innovating at pace.
To match this pace and embrace the benefits of a healthy tech landscape, organisations will have to place greater emphasis on upskilling in advanced and evolving technologies, as well as encourage a more fluid and agile workplace.
According to Accenture’s research, this is evidenced by a 3pc rise in the number of professionals seeking new roles. “This signals both excitement, as people want to be part of the AI revolution and a sense of recalibration, as individuals reassess their skillsets to future-proof their careers,” explained Walsh.
Positively, she also explained that this recent growth is not exclusive to the capital. Regional tech hubs are expanding and the Talent Tracker shows that 66pc of technology job postings are now for positions outside of Dublin, in areas such as Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
“These regions are seeing surges in job postings for cybersecurity, cloud computing and data analytics, in a clear sign that innovation is no longer confined to the capital,” said Walsh. “Remote-only roles have surged by more than 33.1pc in six months, further enabling talent distribution across Ireland.”
Creatively competitive
And for those looking to stand out amid tough competition and benefit from the surge of tech-related roles, Walsh advised candidates to show that they are suited to a hybrid environment and are comfortable using digital tools to stay connected and tuned in to the workplace.
“Staying current with emerging trends like generative AI, synthetic data and agentic systems signals to employers that you’re future-ready and adaptable”, she stated, also stressing the importance of remaining visible on credible engagement platforms, such as LinkedIn and industry forums.
Employers are compelled by people with the ability to grow, so by showing that you can respond to market demands and develop an upskilling and career growth plan in line with the needs of the company and the evolving sector, you will make a real impact.
But it isn’t only the employee who has to work to make themselves attractive to an organisation. Walsh is of the opinion that the companies that prioritise wellbeing and development are more likely to achieve long-term profitable growth.
“Inclusive cultures really do win. Diversity, flexibility and purpose-driven leadership are increasingly valued by jobseekers and play a vital role in strengthening employer branding.
“I’ve seen first-hand how individuals thrive when they’re given the right tools and support. Even as technologies evolve, investing in training, sustainment planning and knowledge transfer remains critical to helping people grow and succeed.”
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