Apprentice Scheme Recruits 50 People

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has launched the second ICT Apprenticeship Scheme to recruit individuals into this growing and exciting sector.

The scheme, involving government and a number of local ICT employers, will see more than 50 individuals recruited as apprentices and taking up various software development and IT infrastructure roles in both the public and private sector. Nine private sector, seven Government Departments and three public sector organisations are participating in the programme.

Minister 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.

"The individuals who are successful in being recruited as ICT Apprentices on this scheme will be given the opportunity to develop skills, achieve qualifications and enhance their career prospects while helping employers develop their business and raise the prosperity of Northern Ireland. The ICT Action Plan and this collaborative scheme indicate how committed government, local employers and education and training providers are to working together to support the growth of the local ICT sector."

The pilot Public/Private ICT Apprenticeship scheme was launched in August 2012. The pilot has proved extremely successful, with 32 apprentices employed in the local ICT industry throughout a number of private sector companies and the public sector. The apprentices are progressing well with their training and will complete their Level 3 qualification by the end of the current academic year.

Dr Farry concluded: "The Executive is committed to supporting young people into employment by providing skills and training. This innovative 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."

(CD/JP)