The next generation of young technology talent has begun skilling up thanks to a new summer camp.
Eighty learners were chosen for the CodeCamp, run by technology firm Kainos and Belfast Met at the college’s e3 building. Demand for the programme exceeded availability with students applying and travelling from across Northern Ireland and beyond.
The event, which launched this week and runs until August 2, offers 17 to 19-year-olds the chance to work closely with mentors in a real-world software environment during each two week crash course in mobile app creation.
Throughout the programme, which also introduces the young learners to new technology, IT roles and career options, participants will learn about how software is designed, built and tested, bridging the gap between ICT skills learnt in the classroom and practical software development.
The students taking part in the camp will use MIT App Inventor to create real apps for Android phones that can be published to Google’s Play Store.
Welcoming the participants, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said:
“It is clear to see the enthusiasm, aptitude and dedication that each student has brought with them to this fitting setting at the e3 Campus, a facility representing enterprise, employability and entrepreneurship.
“Our local economy demands a flexible and skilled workforce to respond to the emerging areas of growth, including ICT and technology.
“Programmes like CodeCamp really help to meet these skill demands, ensuring that young people in the region have the relevant experience and tools to achieve their future potential in the significant growth areas of our economy.”
Dr Jonathan Heggarty, head of electronic and computing technologies at Belfast Met, added: “Belfast Met is a leader in developing courses that reflect current and future skills needs, with employability and the learner placed at the centre of all that we do.
“By supporting pioneering programmes like CodeCamp, we are supporting students into employment, better employment, or a route towards employment, and are meeting the needs of industry by providing the talent necessary to drive economic growth in Northern Ireland.”
Commenting on the benefits of CodeCamp, Tom Gray, CTO at Kainos, said:
“In the past 10 years alone, the levels of innovations seen in the technology and ICT industries have been phenomenal, so it is extremely exciting to see what lies ahead for the next generation of talent.
“Our goal with CodeCamp is to unlock the creative minds of our future software developers and introduce them to new technologies, allowing them to develop their talents and create things we never imagined possible.”