IT Specialist

Provide technical support and maintain IT infrastructure. Handle hardware, software, and network issues to keep organizations running smoothly.

Career Cluster: IT & Systems

What you need to know

Overview

IT Specialists provide broad technical support, maintaining IT infrastructure and assisting users with technology issues. They work with hardware, software, networks, and user support, serving as the first line of technical assistance. This versatile role offers excellent entry into IT careers with diverse responsibilities.

Every Irish organization needs IT specialists to maintain technology operations. The role provides practical experience across IT domains, creating pathways to specialized careers in networking, systems administration, or technical support management.

Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical support to users
  • Install and configure hardware/software
  • Troubleshoot IT issues
  • Maintain IT equipment
  • Manage user accounts
  • Perform system updates
  • Document technical procedures
  • Support network connectivity
  • Assist with IT projects
  • Train users on technology

What skills are needed?

Technical Skills

  • • Hardware troubleshooting
  • • Windows/Mac OS
  • • Software installation
  • • Basic networking
  • • Office applications

Support Skills

  • • Problem diagnosis
  • • Ticketing systems
  • • Remote support tools
  • • Documentation
  • • User training

Professional Skills

  • • Customer service
  • • Communication
  • • Patience
  • • Teamwork
  • • Time management

What is the pay?

Average Salary in Ireland

€28,000 - €48,000

Entry-level IT specialists earn €28,000-€33,000, mid-level specialists earn €35,000-€42,000, while experienced specialists command €44,000-€52,000.

Good entry point into IT careers. Benefits include health insurance, pension contributions, professional development support, and clear progression paths to specialized IT roles or management.

What is the career outlook?

Job Growth

Strong demand across all sectors. Over 1,000 IT specialist positions advertised annually in Ireland. Accessible entry point with good career progression opportunities.

Why the growth?

  • • Technology dependence increasing
  • • Remote work IT support needs
  • • Growing IT infrastructure
  • • User support demand
  • • Technology complexity
  • • Digital transformation

What education is required?

Educational Pathways

Level 5/6 IT Qualification

QQI Level 5/6 in IT, Computer Systems, or Help Desk Support from Irish FET colleges. Accessible entry qualifications.

Professional Certifications

CompTIA A+, Microsoft fundamentals, or IT support certifications. Can enable entry without formal degree with demonstrated skills.

Apprenticeships

IT apprenticeships available in Ireland combining work and study. Excellent practical training path.

Essential Skills

  • • Computer hardware basics
  • • Operating systems (Windows, Mac)
  • • Software troubleshooting
  • • Basic networking
  • • Help desk procedures
  • • Customer service skills
  • • Ticketing system usage
  • • Documentation skills
  • • Communication abilities
  • • Problem-solving approach

Ready to Start Your IT Career?

Explore resources for IT specialist roles.

EdUTec Careers
itag - Irish Technology Association Galway
itag 25 Years Celebration
itag Skillnet Ireland
Atlantic Technological University
University of Galway