Other News In Brief

New PwC Assured Skills Academy Announced

A new Assured Skills Academy with PwC offering 20 high quality training places, has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, the Change and Transformation Academy is an eight-week intensive training course delivered by Belfast Met under the Assured Skills programme.

The Minister said: "This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career in business services to join one of the largest firms of professional advisors in the north.

"With the potential to work with global clients across a range of service offerings which will support business transformation and provide opportunities for career progression I would urge all who are interested to apply."

Deborah Stevenson, People Partner & HR Managed Services Lead, Operate, PwC said: "We are delighted to continue our support for the Assured Skills Academies, in collaboration with Belfast Met and the Department for the Economy. Change and Transformation skills are increasingly needed to support our clients through complex change and we're delighted that this Academy can provide young people and career changers access to exceptional training across a range of skills and areas."

Siobhan Lyons, Interim Director of Development and Partnerships at Belfast Met, said: "Belfast Met is delighted to continue to deliver this successful series of Assured Skills Academies. This programme will provide vital jobs in growth sectors, equipping learners and providing a vital stepping stone for participants to get into great careers. We look forward to continuing to deliver this DfE programme in partnership with PwC and to welcoming our new cohort of learners."

Those selected for the Academy will receive practical, real world training in the following areas:

• Project management

• People Centered Change

• Risk and Strategy Management

• Human led; tech powered transformations and the use of AI in business

• BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis

• Design thinking

• Professional Skills

• Microsoft suite

No previous experience is needed but you must:

• be at least 18 years old

• be eligible to work in the UK at the point of application

• hold a 2:2 degree in any subject

Completed applications must be returned by 12 noon (UK time) 18 October 2024. Information Session and Interviews will take place week commencing Monday 28 October 2024 with training taking place from Monday 18 November 2024 to Friday 24 January 2025.

For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise, please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk

Executive Accused Of Trying To 'Wriggle Out Of Targets'

SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has criticised the Executive for voting down a commitment to putting clearer targets and timelines in the Programme for Government.

He was speaking after the Executive parties joined forces to amend an Opposition motion and in doing so remove a clear obligation to include specific timelines and targets in the Programme for Government - rather than the vague waffle included at the minute.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole said: "It was amusing to see Executive parties stand up today to endorse the importance of an ambitious Programme for Government but then march through the lobbies to vote down a motion designed to ensure Ministers are held to clear timelines and targets.

"The Executive may not like being held to account but we will keep pressing for detailed targets and timelines rather than simply platitudes and vague aspiration."

Alliance Calls For Further Extension Of 'Bookstart Baby' Programme

Alliance Party Education spokesperson Michelle Guy has welcomed news that the Education Minister will be funding BookTrust's 'Bookstart Baby' early reading programme, while also calling for the funding to be extended beyond 2025.

The programme sets out to provide a reading pack to every baby aged 0-12 months each year. The pack is delivered through health visitors and encourages parents and carers to read to babies from the very start of their lives.

The Lagan Valley MLA has said: "Whilst it is hugely positive that Bookstart Baby is being funded until March 2025, this is a crucial programme and longer-term funding is required.

"It's well-known by now just how abundant the benefits we see in our children and young people are from reading to them from as early as possible. As policymakers we must recognise the need for early intervention, and act on it.

"The cost of such an important programme is a necessary investment in our children's futures, and is something which could potentially be funded by multiple departments given its cross-cutting nature.

"I have written to the Education Minister, encouraging him to extend the funding beyond 2025."