‘Bizitrain’ keeps North East on track in Information Age

Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has officially launched the North East Institute’s Bizitrain project, on the Institute’s Antrim campus.

The project encourages maximum use of ICT by both business and students studying with the North East Institute. It also includes video conferencing facilities, the installation of computerised design equipment and the setting up of a new Cisco laboratory which will deliver accredited IT training.

Bizitrain was supported through the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation funding under the Information Age Initiative’s Leapfrog programme.

Launching the project, Mr Robinson said: “The Information Age Initiative continues to encourage organisations and businesses in Northern Ireland to take full advantage of the dynamic opportunities presented by the Information Age.

“The Project’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and training will be available in Antrim, with access points in Ballymena and Magherafelt. As a centre of excellence bizitrain will encourage and support optimum use of ICT potential for business and industry.

“In addition, bizitrain is an excellent example of how we are seeking to ensure that Northern Ireland business has access to a workforce that is responsive to changes in the economic and industrial environment.

“It promotes a positive attitude to life-long learning a factor which is essential in Northern Ireland’s future economic growth.”

The Information Age Initiative (IAI) was formed in June 1999 and first met formally in September 1999, while the North East Institute for Further and Higher Education’s “bizitrain” project was funded under the IAI’s Leapfrog programme. (MB)