Welcome to the forum, Martin.

Yes ... we've heard a lot about that particular Catch-22 lately. Personally (and if you don't mind me saying), I believe that the route you (and others) have taken is ill-advised. Far better, I would have thought, to get a bit of "vocational" training (does it still exist?) in the first place, then get out in the workplace for a while. And then later on, if you're still so inclined, "go back" for some "higher" studies. That way, at least, more advanced studies are likely to be more interesting (if only because you will have something in your own experience to relate them to).
But have you got any money? If so, why not set up on your own?
Start off servicing equipment at GP surgeries, dentists and vets
etc. throughout the Emerald Isle. No need to fret about lack of experience that way. And you would be gaining plenty, soon enough. Then, once you've got more work than you can handle, call upon others to lend a hand.
Take my tip, it's no good working for someone (anyone) else, however resplendent "the package" may appear. Sooner or later it all ends in tears.
Working for yourself, you don't need to impress anyone except your customers.
Good Luck.
