Version 1 To Create 180 New IT Jobs In Belfast

One hundred and eighty new jobs are to be created in Belfast by multinational IT services provider, Version 1, Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced.

Delivering IT consulting, solutions and managed services, Version 1 is investing more than £1million in its Belfast operations.

In addition, the Department for the Economy is funding a series of six Assured Skills Academies at Belfast Met, to the value of £821,000, with the aim of filling 120 of the jobs. The first Assured Skills Academy is open for applications now. Successful applicants will receive eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met.

Speaking about the investment, Minister Dodds said: "This announcement of 180 new jobs by Version 1 is excellent news for the local economy and a further endorsement of Northern Ireland as a rising global player in the digital industries and an attractive location for inward investors.

"Version 1 provides IT services for a wide range of global brands, and to do so the company needs people with specialist skills. My Department's Assured Skills Academies have a track record of equipping participants with the skills employers need in order to flourish and grow, and this has been particularly true in the digital and tech fields. 

"Furthermore, participants on these Assured Skills Academies who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role with Version 1 and will be strongly positioned for success. The jobs on offer are high quality, well paid roles and I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply for these Assured Skills Academies at Belfast Met."

The Minister added: "In Northern Ireland's centenary year, as we look ahead to our future economic and skills landscape, this investment by Version 1 typifies the innovation and growth in emerging industry sectors that is a cornerstone of my 10X Economic Vision. I wish the company every success as it consolidates its presence in Northern Ireland and contributes to our future prosperity."

Kevin Holland, CEO Invest NI, said: "We've supported Version 1 since it established its Northern Ireland presence in 2012, and we're pleased to have now worked with the Department to secure funding for these six Assured Skills academies.

"The importance of skills as a catalyst for growth is crucial to re-balancing the local economy. Today's announcement contributes towards our economic recovery plans and wider ambition to create longer term economic prosperity with a highly skilled, agile workforce. The Assured Skills programme gives companies the confidence that the skills they need to be successful are available in Northern Ireland."

Lorna McAdoo, Director of Operations Version 1 NI, said: "This is an exciting time for Version 1 in Northern Ireland as we continue to invest in local tech and IT talent who can help our customers accelerate their digital transformation. The Assured Skills Academies, which will run over the next three years, represent our ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland and our ambition to be one of the most successful IT companies here."

Participants in the Version 1 Assured Skills Academies will study areas including Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, MTA Software Development Fundamentals in C# and .Net, Cyber Security, Software Testing and Design Thinking with Belfast Met.

Experience is not required but applicants must hold at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a level 5 qualification in an ICT or STEM Subject.  

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said: "Belfast Met is delighted to be delivering training for this new series of Assured Skills Academies in partnership with DfE and Version 1. Our learners receive the most up-to-date, industry-relevant training in this growing sector that provides participants with vital opportunities to gain employment after completing the course.

"This is a significant investment in future skills that will enable Academy graduates to gain high quality, well paid jobs, and we look forward to welcoming our first cohort of learners."

Applications for the first Version 1 Assured Skills Academy are open now and close at noon on 30 June. Training for successful applicants will run from 9 August until 1 October.