Business leaders, investors, educators and tech specialists are united in their mission to address the digital skills gap in Northern Ireland and create opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
The unified message was delivered at an event aimed at inspiring the next generation of digital professionals, forging connections and driving innovation through skills and partnership.
Hosted by the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme, teams from Bank of America, EY, Pytilia and Northern Ireland’s leading academic institutions joined programme alumni, signposting job and further learning opportunities emerging from the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) £1bn programme of investment.
Siobhan Lyons is Interim Director of Development and Partnerships at Belfast Met, which delivers the programme as a leading partner with the Centre of Digital Innovation and Technology (CDIT). She said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to connect key figures from industry and education with alumni of this flagship programme, harnessing Belfast Met’s networks not just for the benefit of learners, but for the wider economy.”
Recent research carried out for the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme found almost nine in 10 employers believed there was a digital skills gap in Northern Ireland – reflecting the latest figures from NISRA which show almost two thirds (32%) of the region’s economically inactive had no digital skills, in contrast to just 6.2% of those who were economically active.
Since the programme’s first course launched in April 2024, 16 of 30 Digital Skills Academies planned over three years have been completed, supporting people from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
In the programme’s first year, more than eight in 10 learners progressed onto further training, an apprenticeship or employment.
One former learner on the data analytics course, Russell Coates, has gone on to secure employment with EY. He said: “I secured a year-long placement with EY through the programme, which opened the door to a permanent role with the firm. When I began the course, I had no idea where it might lead, but the practical skills, guidance and exposure to a real career were hugely beneficial. Joining EY has given me the opportunity to keep developing and to apply what I learned in a supportive, forward‑looking environment.”
Held at the headquarters of Digital Catapult, a Belfast-based tech innovation company that connects industry and academia, last week’s event welcomed more than 50 alumni, who had taken part in a range of academies, including those designed to support women returners, new migrants, young people not in education or training and neurodiverse learners.
Attendees heard from BRCD representatives about current and future skills needs in the city, while Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, the Open University, Belfast Met and Stranmillis College shared information on upcoming courses.
Representatives from professional service network EY, Bank of America and tech firm Pytilia offered advice on what employers are looking for, as well as signposting graduates to professional opportunities.
Ms Lyons added: “Belfast has worked hard to establish itself as a centre of excellence for finance, technology and security operations. Maintaining this position relies on a strong and diverse pipeline of skills.
“Employers increasingly recognise that diversity drives performance, innovation and better decisions, meaning graduates from our Digital Skills Academies are strongly placed to make an impact. We’re continuing to open doors to new opportunities and foster connections for the future.”
Jacqui Kirk, Belfast Operations Site Executive at Bank of America, said: “It was great to meet so many alumni from the Belfast Digital Skills and Employability Programme, an initiative that is unlocking incredible potential across the city.
“As we continue to grow our presence in Belfast, Bank of America is committed to helping people and communities thrive, whatever their background. A strong and diverse workforce with a grounding in the digital skills employers need, is a crucial step towards progress and success.”
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