Irelands Microelectronics Sector On Track To Create 1,300 New Jobs By 2015

05 Nov 2012

Some 1,300 new jobs will be generated within the microelectronics sector by 2015, according to a survey carried out by industry-led Midas Ireland.

The research, released to highlight the beginning of Microelectronics Week, reveals that there are currently over 50 open opportunities in the sector today in Ireland.

The sector also shows a strong loyalty to graduates with a target to hire over 200 for graduate programmes throughout 2012/2013.

Currently employing over 8,000 people in over 55 companies, the microelectronics industry is a significant employer and major contributor to the Irish economy.

Eighty-six percent of companies surveyed have made operational and employment investment at their Irish operations over the last 24 months.

Cluster effect

IDA Ireland CEO Barry O’Leary explained: “The availability of world-class engineering talent, combined with the ‘cluster-effect’ of existing semiconductor companies in Ireland, all contribute to winning new investments. This year alone, IDA Ireland has announced investment from Hittite Microwave, Microsemi, Xilinx, ZMDI, and M/A COM.”

The chairman of Midas Ireland John Blake said that a world-class microelectronics industry in Ireland has been built up over the last four decades which today contributes €6bn annually in exports to the Irish economy.

“However in order to fully realize this growth opportunity it is crucial that we increase the supply of skilled engineers and graduates available to the industry.

“Midas is working hard with its partners including the Irish third level sector to ensure the necessary supports are in place and that one of its highest priorities is producing a plentiful supply of excellent electronic engineering graduates to fill the engineering positions as they come available.

“We are also sending out the message to engineering students, second level students and their parents that this industry is hiring and open for business,” Blake said.

Source: http://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/item/30048-irelands-microelectronics/