A survey carried out by Amarach research for AIB shows that three-quarters of Irish tech firms expect to take new staff on board this year.

Optimism in the SME tech sector is currently running high, with 7 out of 10 companies posting an average increase in turnover of 30 per cent over last year.

Further sectoral growth is anticipated, with 6 out of  10 companies now looking beyond Ireland for their main market.

Encouraging growth

Though the sector currently employs around 30,000 people, Edel Creely, Chairperson of the Irish Software Association, believes that certain measures must still be taken as a matter of urgency if the tech industry is to realise its full potential.

'Firstly, investment could be increased through more meaningful roll-over tax relief for entrepreneurs to encourage reinvestment into Irish start-ups and growth companies.

'Another favourable change would be extending and improving the Employment Investment and Incentive Scheme (EIIS) by introducing a risk-sharing model targeted at a wider group of new investors.

'And the current capital gains tax regime and the tax treatment of employee share options are not favourable to Irish companies, therefore more favourable risk reward models should be explored as a matter of urgency.'

We've got over a thousand roles on offer at Jobs Expo. The event gives you an exciting chance to meet employers and discuss job opportunities face to face. Read on to view a selection of the positions available* at our Jobs Expo events in Dublin and Belfast!

And remember, Jobs Expo is a free admission event - all you need do is register and we'll see you there!

Information Technology

•     Software Engineers

•     Software Testers

•     Data, Business and Reporting Analysts

•     Java Developers

•     DBAs

•     Microsoft SQL Server DBAs and Developers

•     E-business Consultants

Trades/Construction

•     Blocklayers

•     Carpenters

•     Joiners

•     Painters

•     Plumbers

•     Tilers

•     Roofers

•     Electricians

•     Heavy Duty Mechanics

•     Plasterers

•     Concrete Finishers

•     Welders

•     Steelfixers

•     Machine Drivers

Business & Finance

•     Area Managers

•     Sales Managers

•     Sales Agents

•     Customer Service

•     Administrators

•     Networking Consultants

•     Mortgage Advisors

•     Financial Advisors

•     Assistant Financial Advisors

•     Assurance, Tax, Transactions and Advisory

Manufacturing

•     Project Managers

•     Consultant Project Managers

•     Process Engineers

•     Graduate Engineers

•     Maintenance Project Engineers

•     Product Design Engineers

•     Product Support Engineers

•     Multilingual First-line Support Engineers

*The above is just a selection of the roles for which companies will be recruiting at Jobs Expo. There will be lots more to accompany those listed.

Careers Guidance

As well as offering candidates an opportunity to speak directly with employers, Jobs Expo also features a careers clinic area where attendees can get some high-quality CV and careers advice. We'll also have a series of informative seminars delivered by a range industry experts.