A recent Irish Times article, “Who’s hiring and who’s firing in Ireland’s technology sector?”, looked at where the jobs are in Irish tech right now. Its conclusion is encouraging for anyone thinking about a career in technology: AI, cyber security and data skills are at the top of employers’ lists. So why these three areas, and why now?
AI: building it, and using it responsibly
AI is changing how almost every business works, and Irish companies are investing heavily in it. Building AI tools is only half the story, though. Organisations also need people who understand how to use AI safely, fairly and legally.
According to PwC’s 2026 AI Jobs Barometer, AI hiring in Ireland almost doubled between 2024 and 2025, and Irish jobs requiring AI skills have grown five times faster than the overall jobs market since 2019.
That’s where AI ethics, governance and compliance come in. The EU AI Act is now law, and its requirements are being phased in. Businesses using AI will need to show that their systems are transparent, that risks are managed and that personal data is protected. Getting this wrong can mean fines, reputational damage and a loss of customer trust.
That creates demand for people who can bridge the gap between technology and responsibility. You don’t need to be a programmer to do this work. It suits people with a background in business, compliance, HR, law, project management or risk who want to move into one of the fastest-growing areas in tech.
Cyber security: where technology needs people
As businesses rely more on technology, the risks grow too. Cyber attacks on Irish organisations are increasing, and attackers are now using AI to make phishing emails more convincing and attacks faster.
Ireland’s cyber security sector already employs more than 8,100 professionals, and that number is projected to more than double to 17,000 by 2030, according to Enterprise Ireland.
AI can help defenders spot threats more quickly, but it can’t replace them. Someone still has to make judgement calls, investigate incidents, train staff, respond under pressure and decide what matters most to the business. Cyber security is ultimately about people protecting people, and Ireland doesn’t have enough trained professionals to meet the demand.
Data: the foundation of everything
Every AI system runs on data, and every business decision is better when it’s backed by data. Organisations of all sizes are looking for people who can collect, clean, analyse and present information clearly, turning numbers into decisions.
Recruitment firm Morgan McKinley lists Data Analyst among the top five most in-demand jobs in Ireland in 2026, as organisations across every sector look for people who can turn data into decisions.
Data analytics is also one of the most practical entry points into tech. The skills, from Excel and SQL to tools like Power BI, are used in almost every industry. They also give you a strong foundation if you want to move into AI later on.
To check out our courses in AI Ethics and Governance, AI Agent Development, Cyber Security and Data Analytics, click on the Courses tab above.
Business Technology Academy is a member of Aontas, the Irish National Adult Learning Organisation, Cyber Ireland, Ireland’s Cyber Security Industry Association and is accredited by the European Association for Higher Education
