An article by the Westmeath Independent discussing the upcoming Career Zoo in Athlone

‘In a strong and positive sign that the centre of gravity for top quality jobs is shifting from Dublin, Career Zoo has announced that its annual national spring career event will for the first time take place outside of Dublin on May 11, in the International Arena in Athlone Institute of Technology.

More than 5,000 job seekers are expected to attend the biggest recruitment event ever held outside of Dublin with top-quality career opportunities on offer to those attending as well as the inside track on attractive lifestyle options and affordable housing.

The Career Zoo event, which is supported by IDA Ireland, will be a showcase of the very best sci-tech and professional services opportunities in the Midlands and surrounding regions and will feature more than 50 speakers.

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

As well as talking to prospective recruiters, the employers will also be extolling the virtues of the lifestyle offered in the Midlands and surrounding counties such as Galway.

Commenting on the choice of Athlone for the Career Zoo Spring event, Career Zoo Director Brian Ó hOisín said: “Athlone is perfectly positioned at the centre of a rapidly expanding and connected region that goes beyond county borders. This rapidly developing region is where job seekers looking for fulfilling and dynamic roles can also tap into a more relaxed and affordable lifestyle. Dublin is simply now unaffordable for many people with housing a prime consideration and career satisfaction. The Midlands region increasingly offers the type of quality career opportunities that a lot of people are seeking as well as that much sought-after work/ life balance. The M6 motorway also offers Midlands-based workers quick access in either direction to Galway, Dublin and surrounding towns. The presence on May 11 of so many major employers is a massive vote of confidence in this region.”

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 is 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 life-style, lack of draining commute, access to affordable accommodation, availability of schools and choice of pastimes.

Colin Donnery General Manager of FRS Recruitment commented “having an event of the scale of Career Zoo coming to Athlone and the midlands region is a real vote of confidence in the area. The scale and quality of the opportunities with some of Ireland’s best employers shows how the midlands region has developed over the last few years as a location for FDI and tribute must be paid to the IDA for the work they have put in to make that happen”.

Career Zoo Athlone is supported by IDA Ireland who have an 18-hectare Business and Technology park in Portlaoise. This Technology park has recently attracted Canadian company Greenfield Global with plans to create 75 high quality jobs over the next five years for Portlaoise.

FRS Recruitment are delighted to be a part of Athlone’s first ever Career Zoo which will give us the opportunity to showcase all our exciting job offers in the Midlands. Click here to see our current vacancies or contact our Midlands based offices in Tullamore or Roscrea.

Above Photo: From left, Brendan Moran, Site leader, Teleflex; Ciaran Corcoran, Site Director, Abbott; Jane Coleman, Software Engineer, Ericsson; Michelle Hand, Senior Recruiter, PPD; Colin Donnery, General Manager, FRS Recruitment.

Photo Credit: Julien Behal