Belfast tech company Kainos is partnering with UK-wide charity Speakers for Schools and NI's School Employer Connections to offer a new virtual work experience programme for young people in Northern Ireland.
1,000 virtual work placements are being offered and Kainos announced it is welcoming applications from students aged 14-19 across NI.
In-person work experience opportunities have slowed significantly due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is why Speakers for Schools and School Employer Connections say they are calling on more employers in Northern Ireland to open their virtual doors to young people.
Gemma Crothers, Social Responsibility Manager at Kainos said: “We are excited about growing the potential of the young people of Northern Ireland. Whilst we adapt to Covid-safe working, we must not sacrifice young people’s access to career experiences.
"We are delighted to partner with School Employer Connections and Speakers for Schools to equip today's young people with the digital literacy and critical thinking skills that our future economy will so desperately need.”
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Catherine Daly, a former work experience student and up-and-coming software developer at Kainos added: “I’ve always had a passion for IT but wasn’t sure about pursuing it as a career. After completing work experience at Kainos, equipped with new skills and a real insight into the company culture, I knew I wanted to be part of the team.
"I’m now in my second year of Kainos’ Earn as you Learn scheme, studying a part-time degree in Computer Science while working on real-life projects and gaining invaluable experience along the way. It all started with a week’s work experience, and I would highly recommend it!”
Owen Crozier, Manager of School Employer Connections commented: “Employers in Northern Ireland now have the opportunity to repair some of the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to young people’s prospects. School Employer Connections alongside Speakers for Schools have significant experience in this field and will offer full support to any employer who’s prepared to step up and help out.”
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Jason Elsom, Chief Executive Officer, Speakers for Schools concluded: “All we ask is that local industries are prepared to take a little time out to give youngsters a helping hand on the careers ladder.
"Our team are delighted to partner with Kainos and School Employer Connections to support employers every step of the way to create and deliver quality experiences that will inspire and inform career ambitions for the young people of Northern Ireland.”
If you are a local business, school or student in Northern Ireland find out more and get involved here: speakersforschools.org/experience
Source: Written from press release
