Ulster University is offering free online courses with the aim of upskilling and retraining people whose jobs have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Department for the Economy is funding 500 places on the courses which have been developed by the university’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment and Business School.
The NI Skills Barometer produced by Ulster University’s Economic Policy Centre has identified recruitment difficulties in areas such as computer science and engineering.
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The university said that it has set out the following online skills development courses to address both identified sectors and the entrepreneurial mindset to future proof businesses - such as those in the hospitality, tourism and agri-food sectors - in a post COVID-19 world:
• Postgraduate Certificate Professional Software Development (Data Science)
• Postgraduate Certificate Artificial Intelligence
• Flexible Qualifications Computer Aided Design and Manufacture for the Engineering Sector
• Postgraduate Certificate in Business Analysis and Consulting
• Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development (Enabling Business Recovery)
The short courses will commence between July and September and must be completed by 30 November 2020.
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“This comprehensive skills support initiative is a crucial employability intervention underpinning the immediate need for priority skills and capabilities in the workplace. Creating a region that thrives post COVID-19 is paramount, and these courses will bring real opportunities to those impacted by the pandemic to upskill and retrain in key areas – either by helping candidates improve the competitiveness of their current organisation or by supporting unemployed workers into new employment. Having access to such skills will help organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland embrace new technologies and flourish.”
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Kathryn Harkin, Senior Manager AI Centre of Excellence at Allstate Northern Ireland commented: “Allstate NI is committed to helping promote IT within Northern Ireland. The rapid upskilling and reskilling of local graduates in Data Science, Data Analytics and advanced AI skills will strengthen our Cognitive Analytics ecosystem and capabilities and keep us at the forefront of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“Developing these skills will have a wider benefit for the local economy for large organisations, indigenous SMEs and government departments. The demand for these specialist skills is only likely to increase in a post COVID-19 world.”
Claire McNally, Head of Capability and Development at PwC Operate and Industry Curriculum Consultant added: “As our economy re-aligns it is more critical now than ever that industry and academic providers come together to build the key skills we need to create a sustainable workforce of the future. These courses offered by Ulster University will help prepare employees with the critical skills organisations require to progress, particularly in the tech and professional services sectors.”
For more information on the courses and how to apply, please visit: www.ulster.ac.uk/upskill
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Source: Written from press release
