High quality ICT graduates needed to sustain economic growth

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today called on young people making university applications to consider a career in the local ICT industry.

The minister was speaking during a visit to an open day at Queen’s University, Belfast, one in a series being held by local universities, where he visited an interactive exhibition showcasing the strength of the ICT industry in Northern Ireland.

Sir Reg said: “Skills development and quality education and training are vital to the success of the local ICT sector.

“ICT is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful sectors with software companies in particular continuing to grow. To sustain this growth companies need to be able to recruit high quality graduates in key subjects such as computer science and software engineering.”

The minister continued: “Our local universities are producing these graduates but we need to see an increase in numbers enrolling in and completing these courses. What employers can offer in return are rewarding and exciting careers at the cutting edge of technology, with starting salaries in the range £18- £21k, which is above the average for graduate jobs across the board.”

Commenting on the events, Dr Ian Graham, Chief Executive of Momentum, stated: “Momentum is delighted to be part of a joined up initiative involving the Department for Employment and Learning, Invest Northern Ireland and e-skills UK and would like to congratulate each for the funding that has been made available. The ICT sector is a very exciting place to work and do business.

“These interactive events present a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase what the industry has to offer. We really want to give school leavers a real insight into the possibilities that technology can bring and how each can impact upon business.”

Dr Graham concluded: ”This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland, especially given the positive comments received at the USNI Investment conference in May. I believe that these events will help to identify new talent and help signpost them to what we all hope will be a highly successful career and help ensure Northern Ireland’s future ICT skills base.”

Notes to Editors

1. The ICT exhibition is part of a broader career attractiveness campaign deing delivered by the Department for Employment and Learning, Momentum (the ICT Trade Federation), Invest Northern Ireland and e-skills UK.
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