SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students need real sector specific work experience if they are to compete in today’s global jobs market, according to Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry.
In view of this the Minister has called on employers to sign up to the Computing and Engineering Scholarship Programme (CESP) which offers funding to support employer scholarships for undergraduates studying relevant degree courses.
Dr Farry said: “If our economy is to continue to compete globally it is imperative to encourage young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and for them to gain real sector specific work experience through scholarships suchas CESP. This programme is designed to encourage the participation of employers and students in the computing and engineering areas of STEM.”
The employer-led scholarships are available to undergraduate students enrolled for study at Queen’s or the University of Ulster in the area of computing or engineering. There will be 20 scholarships per year, 10 in computing and 10 in engineering, with a total of 40 scholarships available over the next two years.
The Minister continued: “CESP is a direct output from the ongoing actions of the two working groups that I chair in ICT and advanced manufacturing and engineering services. The programme is a collaborative partnership between an employer and my department who will provide financial incentives of up to £13,000 to the employer to provide paid work experience and summer placements for graduates.
“I would particularly welcome involvement from small and medium size enterprises. There are numerous business benefits to an employer investing in a scholarship, including the opportunity to harness new talent from our universities to enhance vital engineering and computing skills.
“Scholarships have also been proven to increase a company’s competitiveness, productivity and make a highly valuable contribution to a business.” CESP is open to Northern Ireland based employers who can offer a relevant work placement.
Applications from businesses with less than 250 employees would be particularly welcome. Innovative suggestions to develop a scholarship amongst several small companies or a larger company with a smaller company in the supply chain would also be considered.
Further information on how employers can become involved can be found at http://www.delni.gov.uk/cesp or by contacting Sectoral Development Branch on 028 9090 5381.