IACT Blog
Stay up to date with the latest trends in technology, professional development, and industry insights from the IACT team.
Excel Isn’t Dead — It’s Evolving: Why Data Skills Are the Career Currency of 2026
With the data analytics market set to cross $650 billion by 2029, Excel, Power BI, and Python are no longer optional extras — they’re career essentials. Here’s what the 2026 skills landscape looks like and how to position yourself.
Ireland at the Centre of Europe’s Data Storm: What Every Business Must Know in 2026
Ireland’s DPC has issued €4.04 billion in GDPR fines since 2018. With NIS2 legislation imminent and cybersecurity threats rising, 2026 is the year Irish organisations must take compliance seriously.
Adobe’s 2026 Creative Forecast: The Design Trends Shaping Visual Communication This Year
Adobe’s 2026 Creative Trends report is in — authenticity, emotion, and AI-augmented creativity are defining the year. Here’s what designers need to know and how to stay ahead.
Hybrid Work Is Broken — And Microsoft 365 Is How You Fix It
Gartner warns that 75% of organisations will face measurable productivity loss from hybrid work complexity by 2026. With Microsoft 365’s AI-powered suite, the solution is already in your hands — if you know how to use it.
SharePoint 2026: Why Now Is the Year to Finally Get Collaboration Right
With Microsoft ending support for SharePoint Server 2016 and 2019 in July 2026 and Teams receiving 5 major AI upgrades, the collaboration landscape is changing fast. Here’s how to ensure your organisation doesn’t get left behind.
The Web in 2026: Organic Design, AI Builders, and Why WordPress Still Powers 43% of the Internet
After years of rigid minimalism, web design is getting warmer, softer, and more human. Meanwhile, WordPress continues to dominate and AI tools are changing who can build professional websites.
Python Is the World’s Most In-Demand Language — Here’s Why You Should Learn It in 2026
Python has officially become the most demanded programming language on earth, with 25% growth projected through 2031. From AI to automation to data science — here’s why learning Python in 2026 is one of the smartest career moves you can make.
SQL Is 50 Years Old — And More In-Demand Than Ever in 2026
The global database management market is projected to reach $406 billion by 2034. With AI now generating SQL from plain English, understanding databases has never been more valuable — or more accessible.
CompTIA or CCNA? Why IT Certifications Are Your Fastest Route to a High-Paying Tech Career in 2026
IT certifications remain among the most efficient career investments available. With CCNA-certified engineers earning up to $130,000 and CompTIA A+ still the most recognised entry point into IT, we explore the best certification pathways for 2026.
58 Workers Died in Ireland Last Year: Why Workplace Safety Training Has Never Been More Urgent
The HSA reported 58 work-related deaths in Ireland in 2025 — a 61% increase. With NIS2, the EU AI Act, and new psychosocial risk obligations arriving in 2026, employers face a rapidly expanding duty of care.
The Human Skills Gap: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Most Valuable Skill You Can Develop in 2026
As AI handles more technical tasks, the skills that define high-performance humans are becoming clearer — and they’re not technical. Leadership, EQ, communication, and DEI are the workplace priorities of 2026.
Agentic AI Is Here: Why Every Professional Needs AI Skills in 2026
From AI agents that coordinate entire workflows to Copilot transforming Microsoft 365 — 2026 is the year AI stops being optional.