A new scheme will offer 55 unemployed graduates a training bursary and local tech industry placement to kick-start their careers despite COVID-19
The Department for the Economy and Belfast Region City Deal patners have teamed up to deliver a new Digital Futures scheme that will support graduates to get key jobs in the tech sector. The scheme will support 55 graduates over the next six months and is being delivered as part of the country's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many companies have found hiring more difficult since the pandemic began, and some graduates have suddenly found themselves unemployed due to ongoing redundancies. The Digital Futures programme will give graduates the opportunity to explore potential new careers in data analytics, cyber-security, and cloud computing.
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The scheme starts with intensive virtual training to gain certain qualifications, with a 10-week placement with a local company starting from February 1st 2021. Graduates applying for the scheme will get a £150 per week training allowance, and financial assistance for travel, accomodation, and childcare if needed.
Digital Futures participants will undertake intensive virtual training to gain qualifications, followed by a 10-week placement in industry from 1 February 2021, at no cost to the employer, allowing them to apply their newly developed skills and knowledge in the workplace. Participants will receive a £150 weekly training allowance for the duration of the programme, as well as financial assistance for travel, accommodation and childcare where needed.
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Companies working in data analytics, cyber-security, and cloud computing are being encouraged to sign up and offer placements to graduates on the scheme. As the training allowance is paid for by DfE, the placements come at no cost to the company and can be carried out remotely. Head over to the Belfast City Council website for more information or to apply as a company.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Frank McCoubrey commented on the scheme: "Our Digital and IT sectors are thriving despite current challenges, so it’s imperative that we continue to support this high value, high growth sector of our economy and take every opportunity to help our young people find employment. I’d encourage employers who can provide work placements to sign up right away – it’s an excellent, no cost opportunity to get the region’s best young brains working with your company."
Source: Written based on press release
