by opening doors that were never meant to be closed.
Ireland is a global tech hub; home to world-class infrastructure, innovation, and opportunity.
And yet, for many people living here, the path into those careers still isn't clear.
Rural communities lack access to specialized technical training and networking opportunities.
High costs of formal education create barriers for working-class families and career changers.
Hands-on training in routing, automation, and infrastructure remains difficult to access.
Organizations rely on outsourced expertise—not by choice, but by necessity.
This isn't a criticism. It's a call to build on what exists.
By creating flexible, community-driven learning pathways, we can complement formal education, unlock overlooked talent, and strengthen Ireland's digital workforce from the ground up.
Data-driven evidence supporting our mission
Ireland faces a critical shortage of skilled engineers. Engineers Ireland estimates that over 22,300 new engineers will be needed within the next decade. With just 9.8% of graduates coming from engineering disciplines—less than half the global average—this deficit poses real risks to national infrastructure and economic growth.
The OECD's Ireland Skills Strategy (2023) highlights gaps in how educational programs prepare adults for actual job roles. Many graduates lack the practical, workplace-ready digital and technical skills that modern employers demand.
Despite engineering being central to economic progress, certain groups remain significantly underrepresented:
Skills policy evaluations—including from OECD and Irish educational authorities—underscore that regional, rural, and adult learners face barriers to access, including transport limitations, fewer digital upskilling routes, and lack of local mentorship.
To fill critical roles, especially for ICT and engineering positions, Ireland often turns to non-EEA talent, which by itself is not a bad thing at all, but rather a necessity. In 2024, over 38,000 work permits were granted to non‑EU nationals, including thousands in ICT and engineering roles; a clear signal that the local pipeline is not yet sufficient.
These insights from authoritative sources validate our approach: Ireland needs practical, accessible pathways to engineering careers that complement formal education and reach underserved communities.
Next Hop Ireland is my personal response to that challenge.
It's not a shortcut.
It's a one-year, mentor-led, community-powered journey that gives aspiring network engineers in Ireland the chance to learn deeply, build confidently, and step into the industry with purpose and preparation.
Hands-on curriculum built for the real world, covering fundamentals to advanced topics.
Interactive sessions, labs, mentorship, and applied research with real industry scenarios.
Monthly in-person gatherings to turn learning into belonging and build lasting connections.
Prioritizes support, trust, and collaborative growth throughout the entire journey.
Guided route into one of the most critical and rewarding careers in tech.
No degrees required. Just the opportunity to show up and do the work with guidance that matters.
This begins with one cohort of 40 students. But the goal isn't to run a course: it's to plant something that grows.
We are not just producing more engineers. We are engineering access to a future that should belong to everyone.
"We don't need more credentials. We need more people who've been given a real chance to learn. That's what we're building here."
This is a personal initiative, but I can't do it alone.
If you believe in what this makes possible, there are ways to get involved:
Fund labs, software licenses, guest speakers, or infrastructure for learning. Your support directly impacts who can access this opportunity.
Sponsor NowAre you an employer looking for new talent? A community leader? An educator? Let's talk about how we can collaborate and contribute to the program.
Get in TouchShare this with someone who could join—or someone who could help! The Routing Intent newsletter will regularly share updates on the program's development and outcomes as it progresses.
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