Considering enrolling in an IT-related course? Here are your options

In recent years the demand for people with information and communication technology (ICT) skills has risen across most industries. The pandemic has accelerated the move to online for many in the retail sector and most recently the cyberattack on the HSE highlighted the need for cybersecurity experts, as well as experts in other areas of computer technology and data science. The following is a list of areas within the ICT sector where courses are available.

1. Pre-tech: Pre-tech courses are designed to determine a student's level of interest and suitability to a career in technology, and to decide which specialty within the industry is the one they wish to pursue.

2. Cybersecurity: Participants are taught how to protect computer operating systems, networks and data from cyberattacks. Students learn how to configure and use threat-detection tools, perform data analysis to identify and combat cybersecurity risks.

3. Software development: Designed for those with an interest in technology, students will study a mix of software architecture, maths and computer programming to learn how to design, develop and troubleshoot software from business applications to mobile apps.

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4. Cloud computing: Learners will be taught about the skills, knowledge and competencies to enable them to pursue a career in the field of cloud computing, which is where a shared group of resources are accessed via the internet.

5. IT maintenance: Students learn about installation, repair and maintenance of equipment, coupled with IT technical support, mathematics, virtualisation support and an introduction to the security area in these courses.

6. Game development: Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills that are fundamental to the craft of games design and production, with education on concept to storyboard creation and design through to the development of functional 2D and 3D games.

7. Computer science: These courses are broad and varied, encompassing a long list of specialties in the field computing, from scientific foundation to coding, web design, IT skills and familiarisation with a range of industrial and commercial applications.

8. Information and communications technology: Learners gain both practical skills like coding or programming as well as gaining a theoretical understanding of topics like computer science and web development, resulting in a very broad and rounded understanding.

9. Manufacturing technician maintenance: These courses prepare students to become a manufacturing technician, who provide technical support for manufacturing operations, with roles encompassing electronic, electrical, mechanical, programme logic controllers and mathematics.

10. Network development: A network engineer's primary role is to design, install, maintain and support communication networks within an organisation or between organisations. By the time of completion, students will be able to offer technical advice and guidance.

Useful links:

For information on CAO-linked FE courses visit the Computers & ICT section careersportal.ie. Details of every FE course in the country are available through the qualifax.ie website. For more information on FIT courses, see fit.ie.