Ambition in IT? New NI Career Information System

February 5 2010 - According to Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland Employment, it has never been easier to find out about a career in Information Communications Technology (ICT).

With ICT being one of the most successful business sectors in Northern Ireland, new sources of information will help people with computing ambitions find out more about career paths.

The Minister said: "As part of our delivery of the 'Bring IT On' advertising campaign we asked young people, parents and teachers what more they needed to know about working in Northern Ireland's IT sector. They told us that they needed a really clear view of how they could get into the industry, what types of jobs were available and where these jobs could take them."

The new sources of information include:

• A web tool showing progression routes for potential learners
• A snapshot of Northern Ireland's IT industry
• A special event where teachers visit local companies to experience ICT careers at first hand

The first development is 'Progression Routes' on the Bring IT On website. A few mouse clicks takes the user - students, parents or teachers - through the wide range of ICT careers available locally.

While parents wanted more information and reassurance that the IT profession is here to stay. in Northern Ireland. The latest NI IT Snapshot shows the current growth in Northern Ireland's IT industry and offers exciting careers to those with appropriate qualifications.

Sir Reg added: "It is encouraging to see that, in the face of the recession, IT as a sector in Northern Ireland has continued to hold its own.

"It looks like this positive trend is likely to carry on - employers who took part in the survey said they were more optimistic about the general business situation than three months previously. A third of them also expected to increase the number of staff working for them which is very positive news indeed."

Congratulated e-skills UK on the launch of these initiatives, he said: "Through all these activities we continue to work closely with this important industry to get the message across that ICT as a profession is here to stay and can offer a wealth of opportunities."

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