ICT Apprenticeship Launched

Computer buffs have been handed a new way to train and work towards employment.

Employment and Learning Minister, Dr. Stephen Farry and Finance and Personnel Minister, Sammy Wilson, today launched an ICT Apprenticeship Scheme to recruit individuals into this growing and exciting sector.

The scheme, involving government and a number of local ICT employers, will take in more than 30 people who will then take up various software development and IT infrastructure roles in both the public and private sector.

Mr Farry said: "The ICT sector is of critical importance to the growth of the Northern Ireland economy and to achieving the aims set out in the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy. If we are to realise the ICT sector's full potential, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve the match between the skills of those people in the workforce and the skills our employers need to help our companies grow.

Mr Wilson commented: "The Executive is committed to supporting young people into employment by providing skills and training. This innovative new apprenticeship scheme presents an excellent opportunity to offer young people an exciting career in ICT and to ensure that when they are seeking employment they have the necessary skills to take advantage of potential opportunities. In addition this consolidated approached by the public and private sector demonstrates that we can work effectively together for the betterment of Northern Ireland."

Photograph: Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Finance and Personnel Minister Sammy Wilson pictured with Malcolm Thompson,COO,Consilium Technologies and Paul Hamill, Head of HR, Kainos at the launch.

(NE)