Career Development in Ireland

Getting your qualifications recognised

If you qualified in another country, your credentials may need to be formally recognised in Ireland before you can work in your profession. The process depends on whether your profession is regulated or unregulated.

Regulated professions (medicine, nursing, law, teaching, social work, pharmacy, and others) require recognition from the relevant Irish regulatory body — for example, the Medical Council for doctors, the Nursing and Midwifery Board for nurses, the Teaching Council for teachers. Each body has its own recognition process and fees.

Unregulated professions don't require formal recognition, but employers may still ask for a QQI recognition — a comparison of your foreign qualification to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. Apply at qqi.ie.

Further education and training

SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority) funds and coordinates a wide range of free and subsidised courses across Ireland through Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Courses range from basic digital skills and English language to accounting, construction, and healthcare. Many are free for job-seekers or people on low incomes.

Springboard+ offers free higher education courses in skills shortage areas — technology, healthcare, and green economy. Open to people who are unemployed or returning to the workforce after a career break. Check current courses at springboardcourses.ie.

Skillnet Ireland

Skillnet Ireland funds subsidised training for employees across many sectors. If you're employed, check whether your sector has a Skillnet network — subsidised training in areas like tech, hospitality, construction, and professional services is widely available. Find your relevant network at skillnetireland.ie.

Intreo career supports

Your local Intreo centre offers free employment services including CV workshops, interview preparation, and job-matching. The JobsIreland platform (jobsireland.ie) is the national job board operated by the Department of Social Protection.

Key resources

• QQI — qualifications recognition
• Springboard+ free courses
• Skillnet Ireland — subsidised training