Microsoft Creates 85 Jobs In Belfast

Technology giant Microsoft is to establish a Cyber Security Centre in Belfast creating 85 new jobs for the city.

The Department for the Economy has committed £800,000 for pre-employment training courses at Belfast Met. The Assured Skills Academies will help professionals compete for the vacancies.

Microsoft already employs 28 people at its offices in Belfast.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said the decision to invest in Northern Ireland is a direct result of the skills and talent available here.

"Assured Skills Academies have a track record of ensuring local employers have access to the skilled people they need in order to grow, while also upskilling local people and developing the capability of further education colleges," Mrs Dodds said.

"Microsoft is collaborating with my Department and the college to develop Assured Skills Academies for participants to upskill and compete for roles in the company's new Cyber Security Centre. I wish Microsoft every success as the company recruits for these new roles and grows its presence in Northern Ireland."

Skills Academies are open to anyone with a 2:2 degree or above in any discipline, or a Level 5 qualification in an IT related subject.

All students who complete the Academy will be ensured a job interview with Microsoft for consideration for the new positions.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered £150,000 of support towards the creation of 25 of the 85 planned roles.

The new centre will service Microsoft's largest enterprise customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Darren Dillon of Microsoft said: "An added advantage to this project is the focus on upskilling people to give them the opportunity to work in this dynamic area of the technology industry and over time we hope to be able to grow the team that works with us here in Northern Ireland."

CEO of Invest NI Kevin Holland welcomed the investment, saying: "Microsoft is one of the world's most innovative companies and its decision to choose Belfast for this new Cyber Security Centre is a vote of confidence for both Northern Ireland and the talented people here. This investment represents a significant boost for the Northern Ireland economy and will provide a range of opportunities for people to train for exciting new hi-tech roles."

Damian Duffy, Director of Development at Belfast Met, added: "Belfast Met is a leading provider of pre-employment training that is industry-relevant and equips participants with hard and soft skills that will help them operate in the business world. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of participants."

Further information and application details for the Assured Skills Academy are available online.



(JG/CM)