Highly educated graduates

Ireland has a highly educated population that supports employment in knowledge-intensive and high-technology sectors. Skilled graduates fuels Ireland’s talent pipeline in science and technology, while educators collaborate with industry to provide the skills needed in the future.

45% of Irish people aged 23-34 have completed third-level education

Highest level of STEM graduates per capita in EU among 20-29 year-olds

Open to international talent

Serve multiple markets from Ireland with a skilled workforce recruited from diverse multilingual talent already living here or, via our EU membership, access a labour force of 250 million people. More than 70% of people moving to Ireland have a third level education.

17% of total people employed in Ireland in 2021 are non-Irish

5th highest international share of workforce in the EU in 2020

Education aligned with industry

Our education system works closely with industry to design programmes tailored to the skills needs of today’s fast-evolving workplace. From degrees and diplomas to modular short courses and microcredentials, supported by Government investment, there’s a solution for your business needs.

9 of the top10 US technology and software companies are in Ireland

Industry-focused research centres offer talent and collaboration opportunities

Nurturing a diverse workforce

As an open society, we’re committed to driving diversity and inclusion across industry. We’re encouraging more girls and women into STEM careers, and engaging with schools on disability sponsorships and support for neurodiversity, widening the talent pool while creating opportunities.

32% of software developers in Ireland are women (+2% above EU average)

Government pioneering remote working legislation to enable flexible workforce

Ongoing talent development

Ireland’s holistic education and training ecosystem delivers the training and skills that enterprises need into the future. Our unique model supports lifelong learning through subsidised or free reskilling and upskilling programmes from national training agencies.

Specialist training in digital technologies, life sciences and manufacturing.

Partnerships with 57 industry bodies for agile responses to industry training needs