Robinson & McGuinness welcome US Mentor Programme

First Minister Rt Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA have welcomed an announcement by US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly of a major new graduate mentor programme.

Working in conjunction with the American Ireland Fund and the Northern Ireland Science Park, the Office of the Economic Envoy has established a mentor programme which will provide local graduates with hands on business experience at some of the America’s top companies.

Speaking following a roundtable discussion with American Ireland Fund delegates, Mr Robinson said: “The Northern Ireland economy needs graduates with the skills and experience to start businesses and to become leaders in their communities. As a result of this programme, our brightest most dynamic young graduates will be placed with some of America’s most venerable institutions where they will develop the skills we need to grow our economy.”

Mr McGuinness said: “This project and approach is another step as we build our economy and promote growth. This is to be welcomed and supported but we must ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity are enjoyed equally by all. We want to build our partnership with the Irish Funds to further the process of peace building and ensuring no community is left behind and we seek to create a better future for all.”

U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, said: “For a number of these companies, this program represents their first direct experience in employing people directly from Northern Ireland and the program will allow them to see first hand the talented graduates produced each year by the region’s universities. At the same time, all the companies in the program offer best-in-class business and management experience that will greatly benefit the program participants for the rest of their lives.

The corporate program is being chaired by Bob McCann, CEO of UBS Wealth Management in the United States, the selection process in Northern Ireland is being chaired by Joanne Stuart, President of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland. Operational support and management is being provided by a team led by Catroina Fottrell of The Ireland Funds.

Companies already committed to supporting the initiative include Almac, BNY Mellon, Coca Cola, General Electric, HSBC, Moet Hennessy, Mutual of America, Sandler O'Neill, SG Cown and UBS.

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