Tech giant Microsoft is creating a new cybersecurity centre in Belfast, generating up to 85 new jobs.
Belfast Met is providing pre-employment training places in Assured Skills Academies to help individuals compete for these vacancies.
Academies are open to anyone with a 2:2 degree or above in any discipline, or a Level 5 qualification in an IT-related subject. All students who successfully complete the Academy will be ensured a job interview with Microsoft.
Darren Dillon of Microsoft said the cybersecurity centre will “provide support to Microsoft’s largest enterprise customers across Europe, Middle East and Africa” and he hopes the NI team will continue to grow.
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The Department for the Economy is providing £800k worth of funding to the Assured Skills Academies, and Invest NI has offered £150,000 of support towards the creation of 25 of the 85 planned roles.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said Microsoft’s expansion in Northern Ireland is “not only a direct result of the skills and talent available here, but it is also an indicator of the strength and vibrancy of the local IT sector, particularly in the field of cyber security.”
She added: “Assured Skills Academies have a track record of ensuring local employers have access to the skilled people they need in order to grow, while also upskilling local people and developing the capability of further education colleges.
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Damian Duffy, Director of Development at Belfast Met, said: “Belfast Met is a leading provider of pre-employment training that is industry-relevant and equips participants with hard and soft skills that will help them operate in the business world. We look forward to welcoming the first cohort of participants.”
More information on the first Microsoft Assured Skills Academy and details of how to apply are available at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/assured-skills
