Louise Warde Hunter, Chief Executive, Belfast Metropolitan College, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey and Caroline Murdoch, HR Development Manager, B-Secur, are pictured in Titanic Quarter

Belfast City Region employers are being invited to get on board with a new initiative, designed to help graduates achieve industry relevant qualifications and gain work experience within the growing digital sector.

Developed by Belfast Region City Deal partners, funded by the Department for the Economy as part of the Skills Intervention Programme, and delivered by a number of FE Colleges across the region, Digital Futures will support 55 graduates over the next six months, giving them opportunities to explore career pathways in Cloud Computing, Data Analytics and Cyber Security.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: “I am keenly aware of the impact Covid-19 has had on the employment of so many people across a wide range of sectors. That is why I announced 3,000 funded online training places to be delivered by the colleges and universities, representing an investment of £4.6million. The Digital Futures element, to be led by Belfast Met in conjunction with three other local FE colleges, will give people the opportunity to upskill and reskill, enabling them to pursue a career in the vibrant and growing local IT sector.

“Developing the skills of our people right across Northern Ireland is a key priority for me as we begin the process of rebuilding our economy. This investment builds on my previous announcement in June of £1.7million for online training places and I am determined to keep skills at the centre of our long term strategic plans.

“I urge employers to sign up and avail of the skills boost to their business.”

Digital Futures participants will undertake intensive virtual training to gain qualifications, followed by a 10-week placement in industry from 1 February 2021, at no cost to the employer, allowing them to apply their newly developed skills and knowledge in the workplace. Participants will receive a £150 weekly training allowance for the duration of the programme, as well as financial assistance for travel, accommodation and childcare where needed. 

The Belfast Region City Deal, the first of its kind for NI, will deliver a transformational £850 million investment programme over the next decade, helping the city region recover more quickly from challenges posed by Covid-19 through investment in innovation and digital, tourism and regeneration, infrastructure and employability and skills.

Businesses willing to offer one or more work placement opportunities in Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, or Cyber Security should email BRCD@belfastcity.gov.uk.