Employment: more than 60 companies employing more than 6,000 people.

Projected needs: the IDA estimates that there is the potential to employ 10,000 people in the coming years.

Starting salary: £11,000 to £14,000 per annum

Main functions: sales, technical and customer support for hardware and software, reservations and customer care for airlines, hotels and other accommodation services.

Courses: NCVA level 3 applied languages and information technology; two-year full-time Post Leaving Certificate; website listing courses: www.irlgov.ie/educNCVA level 2 call centre operations; any languages, business or IT qualification at PLC or third-level would be of use.