South X South East recruitment event kicks off tomorrow

The Career Zoo South X South East recruitment event takes place in Waterford tomorrow highlighting a wide variety of high-end jobs in tech and life sciences available across the South East.

The South East offers higher take-home pay, and a 67% lower cost of living compared to Dublin (a three-bed home averages at €200,000) according to a report published by the Ireland South-East Development Office.

The region also boasts a €500 million investment in companies in the region in the last six months and 89% of people who have moved to the area are reported to be satisfied or very satisfied with their improved quality of life.

The major tech and life sciences recruiting event and conference showcasing all that the South East has on offer will take place tomorrow in Waterford to connect employers with world-class talent interested in working and living in the South East.

Over 30 major tech and biotech firms will take part in the Career Zoo South X South East event at The Theatre Royal Waterford tomorrow (Saturday, July 20) with over 1,500 people attending.

Career Zoo Director Brian Ó hOisín said more free time, as well as flexibility, greater career advancement and affordable housing,  are key attractions pulling people to the South East.

He said: “There’s a huge tech ecosystem in the South East with national and multinational corporations offering great take-home pay and opportunities for career advancement and upskilling. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, so we’re thrilled to showcase the buzzing tech industry in South East.

“With the cost of living significantly cheaper in all areas from house prices to childcare, it’s the perfect time to seek out work in the South East for a better cost of living and work-life balance.”

That message is echoed by a key employer in the region – The Agora Companies – which earlier this week announced 135 new jobs across several of its businesses in Waterford (including Threefold Systems and APSI) covering roles in software development, digital publishing, as well as technical and customer support

Ciaran McGrath, CTO of Agora Publishing Ireland, an Agora Company said: “We are experiencing some major and rapid growth and we are looking to connect with talented people through our involvement with Career Zoo, who can help us to drive our innovation and take advantage of emerging technologies. In return, they get to live in the South East and avail of our many beautiful beaches such as Tramore and Dunmore East, not to mention the Waterford Greenway. Also, given our close proximity to the Dublin motorway, we are very accessible within the South East.”

The event, which is run is in partnership with Crystal Valley Tech and supported by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, will be a showcase of the very best sci-tech and professional services opportunities in the South East and surrounding regions and will feature more than 30 speakers.

Crystal Valley Tech CEO Elaine Fennelly said: “The Southeast has over 122 ICT firms including the multiple Oscar-nominated Cartoon Saloon, and three Institutes of Technology, as well as the only VC firm outside of Dublin and Cork – Sure Valley Ventures – making it a tech hub that is set to continue growing.”

Global and local tech and biotech employers such as The Agora Companies, Taxback Group, Vhi, Sun Life, Bausch & Lomb, Red Hat, EirGen and Carne Financial Group will be showcasing the hundreds of open roles they have on offer. Irishjobs.ie is the event’s talent partner.

The tech, biotech and professional services recruiting event, is taking place in The Theatre Royal Waterford on Saturday, July 20 from 11.00am to 4.30pm with an ‘after-party’ for all guests.

Those attending will meet employers face-to-face and find out about re-locating 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 tech leaders and attend panel discussions at the main stage. Areas include MedTech, AI, Back-end, Front-end, Fintech, Data, Cyber, DevOps and VR.

For those travelling from Dublin, Career Zoo will have a ‘Tech Train’ running from Heuston Station to Waterford on the morning of the event. There will be some interesting activities onboard, as well as tech career advice and information on hand about living in the South East.

See: careerzoo.ie/waterford