29/11/2012

ICT Apprenticeship Programme Launched At South West College

The first Higher Level ICT Apprenticeship programme has been launched at South West College’s Image Centre in Enniskillen.

The pilot programme seeks to equip students with skills to prepare them for I.T. roles including Software and Web Developer, Desktop Support, Infrastructure Support, Server Support and Cloud Developer.

It will also offer Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist accreditation.

The programme was launched by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.

The Minister said: "The importance of the ICT sector cannot be under-estimated. It is the driving force of a globally competitive economy, underpinning innovation, competitiveness and long term prosperity.

"The ICT sector has not only survived the current economic climate, it has continued to grow. However, the sector needs more suitably skilled people and my Department’s ICT Action Plan sets out actions we will be taking in collaboration with ICT businesses to address these issues. One of the key actions within the plan is the delivery of a higher level apprenticeship which I am launching today."

He commended South West College in developing the programme. It was introduced as a result of the ICT Working Group, chaired by the Minister.

Employers McAvoy Group, Concept NI, Computer Centre, Meteor Electrical Ltd and MJH Insurance have signed-up to take on apprentices and offer on the job learning.

Malachy McAleer, Director at South West College said: "South West College is the first college Microsoft has chosen to partner with and offer its globally recognised accreditation. That’s important for us and is a very impressive international endorsement of our work. The Further Education sector is leading the way to prosperity by equipping the talent pool skills and know-how that make Northern Ireland an attractive place to invest and work in."

(IT/GK)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 July 2012
Second Software Testers Academy Launched
Employment and Learning Minister, Dr. Stephen Farry, today launched the second cohort of the Software Testers' Academy. The programme aims to provide graduates with the skills and experience required to take up exciting new opportunities in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.
06 June 2013
Tourism And Marketing Conference Begins
Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has spoken about the importance of tourism and the G8 summit to American, German and local students. The Minister was attending a conference on 'Marketing Tourism and Hospitality products to an International Market' at the Enniskillen campus of South West College.
23 February 2012
Sperrins Leisure Businesses Connect To Tourist Campaign
Four leisure businesses in the Sperrins have been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to embrace mobile communications technology that could help in attracting tourists expected to visit Northern Ireland as part of the NI2012 Our Time Our Place campaign.
28 June 2011
Employability Programme Launched By Employment Minister
The Minister of Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry, has launched a £2.4 million employability programme at Stormont. The programme, entitled Step-up to Sustainable Emplyoment (SUSE) is aimed at young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) and disadvantaged adults. The project will be funded by up to £2.
23 April 2014
Information And Communications Technologies Apprenticeship Scheme Launched
A pilot information and communications technologies (ICT) apprenticeship scheme has been launched by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. The scheme, involving government and a number of local ICT employers, will see individuals recruited as apprentices and taking up various software development roles in companies in the North West.