Potential ‘six extra jobs for every IT post’

IT companies can generate six jobs in the general economy for every one high-tech job created, according to it@cork analysis.

The Cork-based IT network unveiled this figure to 230 delegates gathered at the Maryborough House Hotel & in Cork for the it@cork European Tech Cluster Annual Conference.

The conference assessed how the IT sector can help bridge the Government’s financial deficit by creating jobs. Concurrent sessions addressed the most urgent and timely business challenges facing Ireland Inc.

Ronan Murphy of Smarttech.ie said: “Given the excellent turnout and rave reviews we received about the educational value of the sessions, I would say this was one of the most highly-praised conferences we’ve ever had.”

Minister Sean Sherlock opened the event and Denis Collins, chairman of it@cork, delivered an inspirational speech where he called on the Government to engage with industry leaders to address the skills shortage in the Irish tech sector and elaborated on the incremental growth-creation for Ireland by embracing growth in the IT sector.

Mr Collins said: “If we do this right and become a premier IT global hub, this is good for everyone — we get a re-balanced economy, significant job creation and opportunities in multiple non-IT industries also.”