“Athlone and Midlands in growth mode” – Over 5,000 people due to attend Career Zoo Athlone on Saturday

Athlone and the Midlands are emerging as one of Ireland’s most attractive places to live and work because of the significantly lower cost of living and an unrivalled lifestyle, according to leading employers attending a major recruitment event next week in Athlone.

Over 20 major science, tech and pharma firms will next week take part in the biggest ever recruitment event held at the International Arena – with over 5,000 people attending Career Zoo Athlone.

Until now, Career Zoo has traditionally taken place in Dublin but according to Chris Forsdyke, Executive Director of the PPD Laboratories GMP lab, the Midlands is catching the eye of highly ambitious job seekers.

He said: “The diversity and scope for opportunities at PPD Laboratories’ here in Athlone are vast. We are in growth mode and seeking candidates with a science background. We currently have opportunities for analytical chemists, biopharmaceutical scientists, QC data reviewers, lab supervisors, project managers and research scientists.

“We want to get the message out there that the growing pharmaceutical sector in the Midlands rivals other regions in terms of facilities and global influence and that PPD can offer excellent career opportunities and advancement, coupled with the balanced quality of life associated with living in the Midlands.”

That message is echoed by another key employer in the region – Neueda Technologies – which is currently offering opportunities across a range of disciplines within software development, cloud engineering and agile practitioners.

Paul Madden, Managing Director of Neueda, said: “As well as being able to offer highly rewarding careers in an innovative, open, diverse working environment, our location in Athlone provides our employees with excellent work-life balance. We are excited to be part of Career Zoo and looking forward to meeting top tech talent that may be a valued addition to our growing company.

“Athlone is a hugely attractive region for kick-starting or growing your career within the tech industry.

The town is based in the heart of Ireland and is well equipped with attractions/restaurants/outdoor activities. There is a better standard of living in comparison to other cities, and commuting to work is very manageable.”

Global and local tech, MedTech and pharma employers such as Ericsson, Abbott, KCI, Genesys, Teleflex, PPD, Jazz Pharma, FRS and Neueda will be showcasing the hundreds of open roles they have on offer. The event’s recruitment partner is Irishjobs.ie.

Career Zoo Director Brian Ó hOisín said better take-home pay, more free time, more affordable and spacious housing are hallmarks of living in the Midlands and the surrounding region with Athlone perfectly positioned at the centre of this expanding and connected region.

He said: “Outside of Dublin there has been a string of new high-end job announcements. People want a rewarding career but they also want a better quality of life, one that gives them the time and space to develop and grow, to have families and have access to amenities without the choking traffic, overcrowding and hassle. They can have all of that with these superb employers.

The tech, biotech and professional services recruiting event, is taking place in the International Arena on Saturday, May 11 from 10.00am to 4.30pm with an ‘after-party’.

Those attending will meet employers face-to-face and find out about relocating and all the benefits on offer as well as getting an insider’s view of some of the world’s most innovative organisations – their cultures, careers and technologies. There will be an opportunity to hear from sci-tech leaders and attend panel discussions at the main stage. Areas include Medtech, Pharma, AI, Back-end, Front-end, Fintech, IoT, Data, Cyber, DevOps, VR and AR.

Career Zoo Athlone is supported by IDA Ireland. Commenting, IDA Ireland Head of Regional Business Development for the Midlands Region, Ken Whitelaw, said: “Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the hiring teams from a broad range of companies across the tech, med-tech and pharma sectors. There are a wealth of exciting roles available now across the Midlands region and beyond. What we find is that new hires are attracted to the region because of the stimulating roles that are available in quality companies but stay long term because of the rewarding and balanced lifestyle, lack of a draining commute, access to affordable accommodation, availability of schools and choice of pastimes.”