James Applegate was speaking at the latest graduation event for the Bank of America-sponsored Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme
Belfast’s US Consul General joined graduates, employers and community partners at the latest event celebrating student success through the Bank of America-sponsored Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme.
James Applegate spoke of Northern Ireland’s “bright trajectory” since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement – but said progress has been “uneven”, with entire communities at risk of being left behind.
However, the diplomat, who took on his role in 2023, said Belfast Met, which delivers the programme, has played a “pivotal” role in challenging the trend.
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Mr Applegate said: “On each visit, I become more fervent in my belief that Belfast Met is a crucial driver of Northern Ireland’s bright trajectory.”
Reflecting on the city’s many success stories, he added: “The cranes that dot Belfast’s skyline are a manifestation of continued progress. Emerging industries like Fintech, Health Sciences and Cyber Security are bringing genuine opportunity to the region. Some are expanding at a rate that their recruiters struggle with.
“But there’s a paradox here. That progress has been uneven and has left entire communities at risk of being left behind, often the very communities that bore the brunt of the violence in past decades.
“Too many young people are resigned to the belief that opportunity still falls well beyond their reach. Belfast Met has played a pivotal role in challenging these dynamics, equipping people with the skills that employers urgently need, while inspiring people from all backgrounds and ages to fulfil their potential.”
Michigan-born Mr Applegate was speaking at the latest graduation ceremony for Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme, an initiative designed to provide training for underrepresented groups including women returners to work, neurodivergent learners, refugees and asylum seekers and people not currently in work or education.
A total of 16 neurodivergent learners completed the most recent course, gaining industry-recognised qualifications in data analytics. Delivered over 15 weeks in partnership with Specialisterne NI, a specialist consultancy that supports autistic and neurodivergent people into work, the academy was also supported by employers EY, Fintru and AMS.
Jacqui Kirk, Belfast Operations Site Executive at Bank of America, has recently been appointed to lead the organisation’s build-out of its new site in the city, which will see the creation of up to 1,000 new roles. She told how the programme and its academies were “unlocking potential” in the city, with the power to make a significant impact on Northern Ireland’s economy.
“At Bank of America, we’re committed to creating opportunities that make a real difference for individuals and communities,” she said. “The Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme is unlocking potential that might otherwise go untapped, helping people gain the skills employers need and building a stronger, more inclusive economy. We’re proud to partner with Belfast Met and others to ensure that progress reaches everyone.”
Thanking sponsors Bank of America for their support, Siobhan Lyons, Interim Director of Development and Partnerships at Belfast Met, said: “Already we can see the impact our digital skills and employability academies are having, not just for our participants, but in fostering crucial connections with employer and community partners across the city and beyond.
“Belfast is an established centre of excellence for financial, technology and security operations and securing the talent pipeline is a must. Increasingly, employers understand that all areas of business benefit from diversity, which is why providing a stepping stone into employment for underrepresented groups isn’t just life-changing for participants – it’s crucial for the economy too. Bank of America’s support comes as a welcome vote of confidence in the city and the incredible talent we’ve got here in our midst.”
Jo McGinley, Social Value Director at EY Northern Ireland, said: “EY’s involvement in the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability programme has delivered huge benefits for us as an organisation. Its unique and holistic environment, with input not just from technical experts and educators but also from the team at Specialisterne, who come with incredible insights into nurturing neurodivergent talent, has been wonderful to see in action.
“Programme participants develop a strong grounding in the skills we as employers need, and in turn, we’ve been given some game-changing insights into how we can make our workplaces truly inclusive and nurturing in order to draw the very best from all our people. Most importantly, we’ve been given access to some phenomenal talent we haven’t always had.
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“In an ever-changing world of work, diversity of background and an innovative approach to problem-solving and decision-making is going to give businesses the edge. We were delighted to open our doors to participants, giving them a sense of what it is we do, and the many fantastic career options they could pursue in the future. It’s exciting to know there’s so much bright talent emerging here in Northern Ireland.”
Russell Coates who completed the Data Analytics academy last year is one example of the programme’s success. After securing a year-long placement with EY following his course, Russell has recently secured a permanent role with the firm.
He said: “When I started, I had no idea where this journey would lead me. The academy helped me find new skills and connections, and a way onto a career path that suits and supports me. You never know when something amazing is going to happen.”
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