IRISH IT services provider Version 1 has announced plans to more than double its workforce in Belfast, creating 180 jobs over the next three years.
The company, which employs around 1,500 people globally, is investing around £1 million in its operation based at The Gasworks on the back of significant growth during the pandemic.
Version 1’s customers include pharma giant Almac, Firmus Energy, Invest NI and the Henderson Group.
Around 120 of the new roles are expected to come through six assured skills academies funded by the Department for the Economy to the tune of £821,000.
The academies are designed to open the door for people without an IT background to retrain with an eight-week crash course at Belfast Met.
Applicants do not need any experience, but most hold a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a level five qualification in an ICT or a STEM subject.
Participants who complete the course are guaranteed an interview with the company, with many securing employment.
Version 1 said salaries will start at around £25,000.
Lorna McAdoo, who heads the IT group’s operation in the north, described a surge in demand for online services during the pandemic.
“We had a phenomenal year last year and we’re on target again this year as well. That’s obviously reflected in the number of people we are recruiting.
“Throughout the pandemic and even right now, a lot of our customers need to provide more of their services online.”
Version 1 currently employs around 160 people in Belfast, with a hybrid home and office policy currently in place for staff.
“We always had the vision to grow this organisation in Belfast,” said Ms McAdoo. “I always have held the personal view that we can take it to 500.
“The one thing we really need now is the young talent coming in that can probably give us new ways of working, new thinking.
“That’s what the assured skills academy does for us, which is vital to keep us moving forward.”
Outgoing Economy Minister Diane Dodds said Version 1’s move was another example of the strength of the digital services sector in Northern Ireland.
“Skills mobility is a huge issue for any economy and we need to be able to transfer from one to the other. Assured skills will allow them to do that.
“We want to see the economy grow, we want to see skills grow and this is an opportunity to match growth and skills.”
Louise Warde Hunter, principal and chief executive of Belfast Met, said participants will receive the up-to-date, industry-relevant training.
“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 June 30. Training for successful applicants will run from August 9 until October 1.
