Other News In Brief

SF Urged DUP Economy Minister To Immediately Close RHI Scheme

Sinn Féin has called on the DUP Economy Minister to immediately close the 'flawed' RHI scheme.

Making the call Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd said: "The DUP economy minister needs to end the delay and close the flawed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme immediately.

"Despite the closure of the scheme being a New Decade, New Approach commitment, three DUP Economy Ministers have sat on their hands and failed to close this scheme.

"And incredibly, rather than bringing forward proposals to close it, the DUP have instead proposed an increase in tariffs.

"They need to wake up and support people to install renewable heat sources that actually reduce carbon emissions and cut people's energy bills. Sinn Féin will continue working to see this delivered once and for all''

SDLP Welcomes News That Barry's Amusements To Reopen

The SDLP has welcomed the new that Barry's Amusements in Portrush is to reopen.

New operators the Curry family have confirmed they hope to reopen the amusement park at Easter.

East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said that the news was a welcome boost to the town and the entire North Coast: "I'm delighted that it has now been confirmed that Barry's Amusements will soon reopen its doors to patrons young and old. For a time it looked like all hope was lost and Barry's was gone forever, but with the Curry family taking it over on a long-term lease it will now be around for new generations to enjoy.

"The closure of this historic amusements park was a serious blow to Portrush and the entire North Coast. Every year people from across the North and further afield flocked to Portrush to visit Barry's and sample the rest of the tourism offering in the area. Without it there was a emptiness in the heart of our community and the whole area suffered.

"The reopening of Barry's will be a significant boost to Portrush and our local tourism, it will bring more visitors and investment into the area, with local businesses from our restaurants and bars to our hotels and B&Bs set to benefit. If we are ever to realise the North Coast's vast tourism potential then we need Barry's at the heart of that and I look forward to visiting when the doors reopen this Easter."

Fifth PwC Professional Services Assured Skills Academy

A fifth PwC Professional Services Assured Skills Academy has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons.

The Academy will offer an opportunity for 20 individuals to kick start a career in professional services with everyone who is eligible and interested being encouraged to apply.

Working across a range of service offerings including financial crime, compliance testing, customer management, PMO services and business operations the Academy is open to people with a 2:2 degree in any discipline or a Level 5 qualification (HND or Foundation degree) and some experience in an office, banking or professional environment.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, this PwC Professional Services Assured Skills Academy will see participants receive industry-relevant pre-employment training delivered by Belfast Met over an eight week period.

Commenting on the Academy, the Minister said: "PwC is one of the largest firms of professional advisers in Northern Ireland and it is fantastic to see the company’s growth plans here. This fifth Academy is another excellent opportunity for people with the necessary qualifications to gain the skills they need to compete for jobs in the growing professional services industry where data skills are critical to many roles.

"I am committed to building the local skills base as a key part of our economic recovery and Assured Skills Academies have a proven track record of success in this area. This Academy, funded by my Department, will provide the skills needed for participants to start a career in financial services.

"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 encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to apply for this exciting opportunity."

Participants who complete the training will gain industry-recognised qualifications and are guaranteed a job interview for a role at PwC in Belfast.

Course content will cover areas including: project management, business analysis, commercial awareness, financial accounting, Microsoft and Google tools, data visualisation and design thinking.

Deborah Stevenson, Operate Director at PwC, said: "We are delighted to support the Professional Services Assured Skills Academy. The Assured Skills Academy continually produces incredibly talented candidates, providing them with the first step to a successful career in Professional Services. Joining these academies gives participants 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 Academies are also adding value to our growing economy."

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said:

"We are delighted to be delivering this PwC Professional Services Academy. The development of skills is a vital key element in helping our economy to rebuild at this challenging time. The industry relevant pre-employment training provided by Belfast Met will provide Academy participants with the opportunity to develop the requisite skills to gain employment within the professional services sector and we very much look forward to welcoming our new cohort of learners."

Applications for the PwC Professional Services Academy are open now and will close on 13 April 2002.

As restrictions ease training is likely to be a blend of onsite and online learning. Successful applicants will require appropriate IT access in order to link to the online tuition.

Video interviews will be held on 26, 27 and 28 April 2022 and training will commence for successful applicants on 16 May 2022.