BELFAST Metropolitan College is seeking forward thinking employers in the ICT industry to recruit the college’s new ICT Higher Level Apprentices.
The college commences its pilot ICT Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes for aspiring ICT professionals this month.
The apprenticeship requires an ICT employer specialising in software engineering and or computing infrastructure that will recruit, develop and upskill apprentices as they train for a foundation degree qualification at Belfast Met or potentially a Level 6 qualification.
These programmes have been designed to provide the ICT sector in Northern Ireland with employees who have the right industry practical and theory skills developed through Higher Education qualifications in Software Engineering and Computing Infrastructure.
Jonathan Heggarty, director of curriculum, said: “The new ICT Higher Level Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for individuals to gain industry focused skills while working within the exciting and dynamic ICT sector.
“From an employer’s perspective, Higher Level Apprenticeships offer an additional channel through which they can recruit and develop talent which is essential to their organisations.”
Supporting the programme and speaking about the value of apprenticeships, Michael Beattie, operations manager at Fujitsu, said: “Fujitsu has long been a supporter of apprenticeship schemes and believes they are a valuable way to build the skills of a dynamic workforce which is engaged, motivated and enabled to maximise its potential.
“For employers, the key to getting the most out of apprenticeship schemes — both for businesses and learners — is to be closely involved with the curriculum that apprentices study to ensure they acquire the most industry relevant and up-to-date skills.
“Belfast Met’s approach to theoretical training goes hand-in-hand with how Fujitsu implements practical work, guaranteeing that apprenticeships gain practical experience while acquiring essential skills.”