New Assured Skills Academy Opens In NI

A new Assured Skills Academy has opened with PwC offering 20 training places.

Successful applicants receive eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met and Ulster University. Participants who complete the training will gain industry-recognised qualifications and are guaranteed a job interview for a role at PwC in Belfast.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with PwC, Belfast Met and UU. This is an excellent opportunity for people seeking to start or change career in the professional services sector.

"Developing the local skills base is a key element of the economic recovery. Assured Skills Academies have a track record of success in upskilling people and helping them secure employment, and we will bring forward more Academies for applications in the coming months."

The Minister added: "Successful applicants to the Academy will receive £155 per week training allowance and will be strongly positioned to compete for a job upon completion. I urge anyone who is eligible and interested to apply for this exciting opportunity."

Deborah Stevenson, Operate Director at PwC, said: "We are continually impressed with the talent we have in our local market and the appetite to invest in their continued skills development. This will set our economy apart in the future and we support these students to realise their potential through our Academies. Joining them gives people access to exceptional training across a range of skills and areas that are relevant in today's world, with practical application and insight into working with PwC."

The Assured Skills Academy, focussing on professional services, will cover a range of areas including Financial Crime, Compliance Testing, Customer Management, PMO Services and Business Operations.

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said: "Belfast Met is delighted to continue to deliver this successful series of Assured Skills Academies. This programme will provide vital jobs in growth sectors, and participants will be well positioned to progress into good jobs and life-changing careers as a result.

"We look forward to continuing to deliver this DfE programme in partnership with PwC and to welcoming our new cohort of learners."