Unemployment Rate and Job Creation

As of 2024, Ireland's unemployment rate has stabilized at 4.7%, the lowest since pre-pandemic times, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The country is on track to create an additional 85,000 jobs over the next two years, bringing the total number of jobs to an all-time high of approximately 2.4 million.

Key Players in the STEM Sector

Ireland remains a pivotal hub for the STEM industry with major global players establishing and expanding their presence:

• Pharmaceutical Sector: Ireland hosts 10 out of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, underscoring its critical role in the industry. Recent expansions include Amgen's €200 million investment in their Dublin facility, aiming to create 500 new jobs.

• Electronics and Technology Sector: The sector continues to thrive with substantial investments. Intel's €80 million investment in Leixlip will create 100 new R&D positions. Additionally, Valeo's Galway site has expanded its R&D team, with a focus on autonomous vehicle technology, adding 70 new roles.

• Medtech Sector: The medtech industry remains robust, with Medtronic recently announcing a €150 million expansion at their Galway plant, resulting in 300 new engineering and IT positions. This growth reinforces Ireland’s status as a global leader in medical technology.

• Language Sector: The demand for multilingual professionals is rising, particularly for roles requiring proficiency in German, French, and Spanish. This reflects Ireland's increasing role as a hub for international business and customer support services.

• Supply Chain Sector: With the ongoing global economic shifts, the supply chain and logistics sector is seeing an increased need for experts in roles such as supply chain managers, demand planners, and procurement specialists. Companies like Apple and Amazon are ramping up their logistics operations in Ireland, creating numerous job opportunities.

Diverse Opportunities Across Sectors

The broad spectrum of job opportunities spans various fields, including manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, R&D engineering, supply chain management, and language-related roles. Ireland's favorable business environment and strategic location continue to attract leading companies, making it an exciting time for STEM professionals.

At HERO Recruitment, we are dedicated to connecting top talent with leading companies in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors. If you’re exploring new career opportunities, contact us at our Galway office (+353 91 730022), Cork office (+353 21 2066287), or Dublin office (+353 1 6190279) to learn more.