BELFAST-based digital transformation business Version 1 has opened applications for 20 more high quality training places on its Accelerate Digital Skills Academy.
Funded by the Department for the Economy, the academy will provide successful applicants with up to eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Metropolitan College. Participants who successfully complete the training are guaranteed a job interview with Version 1.
Lorna McAdoo, director of operations Version 1 NI, said: “This is our fourth Assured Skills Academy, and they will continue to run over the next two years and represent our ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland and our ambition to be one of the most successful IT companies here. Investment in local tech who can help our customers accelerate their digital transformation is paramount to this ambition.”
Graeme Wilkinson, director of skills strategy at the Department for the Economy said: “This latest academy will provide those who have the necessary qualifications and willingness to learn new skills with a valuable pathway into IT solutions and consulting sector.
“Participants will have the opportunity to understand how technology can help businesses and will receive cutting edge training to empower them to make a difference to customers by sharing that knowledge to develop their core business skills. They will also receive a weekly training allowance of £155 per week and travel expenses and may be eligible for child care allowance.”
He added: “As we move into a decade of economic transformation around the Department’s 10X Economic Vision, strengthening our local skills base and investing in skills is essential to grow our economy.
“The Assured Skills model of providing pre-employment training in partnership with employers and further and higher education providers has proven to be a successful model for creating a pipeline of skilled people for expanding local businesses.”
Louise Warde Hunter, principal and chief executive of Belfast Met, said: “Investment in future skills is essential. Participants will receive the most up-to-date, industry-relevant training in this growing sector, enabling Academy graduates to kick start their careers in high quality, well paid jobs.”
Applications for the fourth Version 1 Accelerate Digital Skills Academy are open until December 9 and training will commence on February 13.
More information and how to apply is available on the nidirect website at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
