Occupation Details

App Developer - Android /iOS

Education
Most occupations in this zone require job specific training (vocational training) related to the occupation (NFQ Levels 5 and 6 or higher), related on-the-job experience, or a relevant professional award.

Related Experience
Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, several years of full or part-time employment in the area may suffice.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognised apprenticeship or training program may be associated with these occupations.

Job Zone Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organisational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include restaurant managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, hairdressers, and web developers.

€23k > 75

Application Developer
Salary Range (thousands per year)*
	€23 - 75
Related Information:

Data Source(s):
	Brightwater / Morgan McKinley / Sigmar Last Updated: March, 2017
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

Employers are frequently citing these occupations as difficult to fill although the demand is likely to be small in number given the size of the employment stock. Demand is mostly for roles requiring sector- specific experience (e.g. medium-high, high-tech and food/beverage manufacturing.

National Skills Bulletin 2018

Occupational Category

Production, Design & Quality Control Engineers

Also included in this category:

Number Employed:

13,000

Part time workers:	7%
Male / Female:	44 / 56%
Non-Nationals:	11%
With Third Level:	91%

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At a Glance... header image

Designs and creates an app for just about any computing device, from desktop computers to mobile devices. Once the app exists, the developer will help test it and correct any bugs prior to the launch of the app.

Videos & Interviews header image

Search YouTube for App Developer - Android /iOS videos

Tasks & Activities header image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported tasks and activities for this occupation

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Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.

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Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.

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Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.

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Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.

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Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.

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Store, retrieve, and manipulate data for analysis of system capabilities and requirements.

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Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.

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Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.

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Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.

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Obtain and evaluate information on factors such as reporting formats required, costs, and security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Work Activities header image

The following is a list of the most commonly reported work activities in this occupation.

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Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

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Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

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Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

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Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Knowledge

The following is a list of the five most commonly reported knowledge areas for this occupation.

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Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

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Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

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Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

The following is a list of the most commonly reported skills used in this occupation.

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Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

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Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.

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Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

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Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

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Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

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Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

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Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Entry Routes header image

App developers have many exciting career and job opportunities open to them, but here is no one single way to become an App Developer and get into this ever expanding area.

Common steps include a Degree in Computer Science or Software engineering - these are a very strong foundation. There are also specialised courses you can take that are specifically geared toward mobile app development [see Smart Futures] .

Having certification in different aspects of development will make your case stronger to employers who are hiring, but the best way to prove you can build something is to actually do it! Building an app requires a well-rounded IT skillset, including UI design, familiarity with a range of programming languages, backend computing knowledge and, some savvy business knowledge, especially if you want to go it alone as an App Developer.

Last Updated: October, 2014

Related Occupations header image

Multimedia Technical Manager

Web / Scrum Master

Games Designer

Digital Media Designer

Contacts

	Organisation:	Smart Futures
	Address:	Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
	Tel:	(01) 607 3171
	Email:	Click here
	Url	Click here

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Industry Expert

Career Guidance

This occupation is popular with people who have the following Career Interests...


Creative	Investigative	Administrative

...and for people who like working in the following Career Sectors:

	Computers & ICT

Search for Related Courses from Qualifax - the National Learners Database

Further Ed & PLC Course Suggestions

If you are interested in this occupation, then the following courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.

Courses found: 32

Computer Networks and Cyber Security Bray Institute of Further Education

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Software Development Cork College of Commerce

Multimedia and Web Development (Digital Media) Stillorgan College of Further Education

Games Development Bray Institute of Further Education

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Computer Games Development Cavan Institute

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Software Innovation & Design - Advanced Monaghan Institute

Cybersecurity Technician Course Templemore College of Further Education

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Occupation Details

App Developer - Android /iOS

Production, Design & Quality Control Engineers

Also included in this category:

Number Employed:

13,000

Search for Jobs

Industry Expert

Career Guidance