Fourth Cohort Of The Software Testers' Academy Launches

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry and Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster today launched the fourth cohort of the Software Testers' Academy.

The Academy, which has been in high demand for the previous three cohorts, aims to provide graduates with the skills and experience required to take up exciting new opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology industry. Software testing and quality assurance is increasingly a key growth area in this internationally focused sector.

Minister Farry said: "Now in its fourth cohort the Software Testers' Academy continues to be an excellent example of how government is working collaboratively to improve the skills of graduates and assist them into employment. Graduates are learning skills that our employers need in this increasingly important sector for the future of our economy. The results of the Academies to date have been excellent, with 96% of trainees from diverse academic backgrounds securing employment in software testing.

"I would encourage any unemployed graduate to consider a career in the vibrant and growing local ICT sector. The Academy Model has proved to be continually successful with Academies now running across a range of sectors such as cloud technology, data analytics, and financial services."

The Software Testers' Academy has been designed by 20 of Northern Ireland’s top ICT companies with support from the Department for Employment and Learning and Invest Northern Ireland under the Assured Skills initiative. It was developed collectively between government and the ICT sector and will be delivered by South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and Belfast Metropolitan College.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: "As we seek to build upon our growing reputation in the ICT sector, initiatives such as the Software Testers’ Academy will play a vital role in matching the skillsets of our graduates with the needs of the industry. The success of the Academy demonstrates how government, academia and local companies can work together to deliver results in this key sector. This engagement has been a critical factor in the Academy’s success and has ensured that by identifying and responding to the requirements of potential investors, Northern Ireland increasingly becomes the location of choice for ICT and digital companies.

"My Department, through Invest NI, will continue to work closely with the Department for Employment and Learning and the sector as we strive to enhance our highly skilled ICT workforce, attract high-quality investment and promote economic growth. I would urge any eligible graduates to explore the opportunities presented by the Software Testers' Academy."

(CD)