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NI Economy Minister offers 40 training places with guaranteed job interviews

Successful applicants will develop IT skills and gain industry-recognised qualifications. 

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NI Economy Minister offers 40 training places with guaranteed job interviews
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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald announced 40 high quality training places on two Digital Skills Assured Skills Academies with Version 1. 

The Department for the Economy fully funded the academies, developed in partnership with Belfast Met. 

Successful applicants will develop IT skills and gain industry-recognised qualifications. 

Those who complete the eight-week Academy will be guaranteed an interview for a job role with Version 1 in Belfast.

Archibald said: “This is an excellent opportunity to develop new skills and open a valuable pathway into software or digital engineering. 

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“Through the provision of cutting-edge training on the latest technologies, delivered by Belfast Met, successful applicants can upskill or reskill with industry-recognised qualifications for a career in this exciting sector. 

“I would urge anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and is interested in a career within software or digital engineering to apply.”

Lorna McAdoo, Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) & Northern Ireland, Version 1, said: “We are privileged to be partnering once again with the Department for the Economy and Belfast Met to deliver two new Assured Skills Academies. 

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“These Academies have been instrumental in supporting our growth in Northern Ireland, providing a pipeline of talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our teams. 

“We’re focused on continuing to invest in local skills and helping shape the future of digital services in the region.”

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Participants will study for accreditation and skills in Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity and Java.

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Damian Duffy, interim principal and CEO at Belfast Metropolitan College, said: “Belfast Met is delighted to be continuing its collaboration with Version 1. 

“These two new DfE-funded Academies will offer participants the chance to develop in-demand skills in areas such as cloud, software and AI. 

“These fields are critical in strengthening the regional skills base and supporting the continued growth of Northern Ireland’s digital economy.”

Duffy added: “Our excellent teaching teams will provide hands-on, industry-aligned training that prepares participants for exciting new career pathways. 

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“We look forward to welcoming the new cohorts and seeing them benefit from the opportunities this partnership provides.”

Experience is not required but applicants must be at least 18 and hold at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a level 5 qualification in a relevant science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) subject. 

Training will be delivered using a hybrid approach, with onsite learning at a Belfast Met campus and some virtual classes. 

The first academy will start on 19th January 2026 and complete on 13th March 2026, with a proposed employment start date of 16th March 2026. 

The second academy will run from 2nd February 2026 to 27th March 2026, with employment due to start on 30th March 2026.

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Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £180 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel and childcare costs. 

Applications close at noon on 14th November 2025.

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