40 New Digital Training Places Offered With Version 1

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced the launch of two new fully funded Digital Skills Assured Skills Academies, providing 40 training places in collaboration with digital transformation company Version 1. The Academies, developed in partnership with Belfast Met, are designed to upskill or reskill successful applicants with industry-recognised qualifications and essential IT skills in software and digital engineering.

The eight-week programme is fully funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE). Participants who successfully complete the rigorous training will be guaranteed an interview for a job role with Version 1 in Belfast.

Minister Archibald encouraged applications, stating the academies offer an excellent pathway into the exciting digital sector. The curriculum includes cutting-edge training in areas such as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity, and Java.

The first academy will run from Monday, 19 January 2026 to Friday, 13 March 2026, with the second following from Monday, 2 February 2026 to Friday, 27 March 2026.

Lorna McAdoo of Version 1 highlighted the importance of the academies in supporting the company's growth in Northern Ireland, providing a pipeline of talented individuals. Similarly, Damian Duffy of Belfast Met noted that the in-demand skills in cloud, software, and AI are critical for strengthening the regional skills base.

Experience is not required, but applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a Level 5 qualification in a relevant STEM subject. Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £180, plus help with travel and childcare costs. Applications are open now and close at noon on Friday, 14 November 2025.

Education Estate 'Crumbling' Amid £800 Million Maintenance Backlog

The recent report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the management of the schools’ estate has been branded "alarming" by Sinn Féin, who claim it confirms a decade of failure by successive DUP Ministers at the helm of the education system. The PAC found that the Department of Education and the Education Authority (EA) have operated for over ten years without a comprehensive plan for maintaining or improving school buildings, instead relying on "reactive crisis management."

This lack of forward planning has resulted in a staggering £800 million maintenance backlog, alongside a further £29m of necessary remedial works that have been allowed to accumulate. The opposition argues this poor management is not only unsustainable but also unsafe for pupils and staff.

While acknowledging that Westminster austerity and chronic underfunding of public services have compounded the issues, the opposition insists local ministers had choices regarding prioritisation. They assert that despite billions of pounds being allocated to education, successive DUP ministers "failed to plan, failed to prioritise and failed to get a grip of the crisis."

The call is now for an urgent, system-wide reset. The Department and the EA must immediately deliver the comprehensive estate strategy that was promised for early 2026. This strategy must tackle the maintenance backlog, invest properly in special educational needs provision, and ensure every child is educated in safe and warm classrooms. Minister Paul Givan is urged to stop the excuses and focus on delivering the essential facilities required for the education system.

Appeal After House Ransacked In Newry

Police are appealing for information following a burglary at a house in the Shandon Park area of Newry.

The break-in is understood to have occurred sometime between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, while the property was unoccupied.

Detective Constable Middleton confirmed that entry was gained via a back door, and the house was subsequently ransacked.

Enquiries are currently ongoing to determine what, if anything, was taken from the residence.

Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those who were in the Shandon Park area during the time of the burglary, to come forward. Investigators are especially keen to review any available dash-cam, CCTV, or mobile footage that could assist their enquiries.

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1403 of 22/10/25. Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the PSNI's non-emergency reporting form.