Farry commends software professional graduates
Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry hosted an awards ceremony for graduates from the Software Professional Course.
The course trained 35 graduates with the skills and accredited qualifications identified by ICT sector employers for new job opportunities. The course involved 26 weeks training for the trainees at Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) and South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to achieve the BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Professional Software Development.
At the ceremony in the Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings, Minister Farry said: “The ICT sector is the driving force of a global economy. It is imperative we provide the appropriately highly skilled ICT workforce to support this vibrant sector, ensuring its global competitiveness and long term prosperity.
“The Software Professional Course is an excellent example of how my Department supports graduates to enhance their skills in order to find employment in key growth areas. For the ICT industry, the programme proves that Government, our further education colleges and local employers can respond quickly and collaboratively to deliver an intensive training programme to meet their skills needs.
“Projects such as this are key to ensuring that graduates can improve their skills and employability which in turn benefits our local economy. I commend all the graduating students and wish them every success in their future careers.”
The ceremony was attended by the graduates, their guests and representatives of the Further Education Colleges involved in delivering the training.
Jonathan Heggarty, Belfast Met, said: “Belfast Metropolitan College is delighted to have been involved in this innovative collaboration. Providing students with industry validated courses ensures that our graduates have the right skills for the range of exciting roles available within the dynamic and ever growing IT sector.”
Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive, SERC, said: “I would like to congratulate all the students who have successfully completed the Software Professional Course and wish them every success in their careers within the computing industry. This highly effective and intensive course, designed with industry, is providing opportunities for non-computing graduates while supplying employers with motivated and skilled employees. I would also congratulate the SERC staff for their professional delivery of the programme.”
The Software Professional Course is part of the Department for Employment and Learning’s ‘Skills to Succeed’ campaign, which highlights the importance of skills and qualifications for individuals, employers and the economy. The campaign encourages individuals and employers seeking to develop their own skills and those of their workforce. To find out what programmes and assistance are available visit http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skills or call .
