Information and Communication Technology Whats New?

Demand for computing courses surges
as BringITon enters its fourth year.

Students from Strathearn School have been amongst thousands across Northern Ireland who participated in BringITon events aimed at encouraging uptake for computing and ICT careers.

Underpinned by an interactive website (www.bringitonni.info) industry and university representatives have engaged with 14 – 19 year olds from all over Northern Ireland.

The schools who have participated to date

ICT continues to offer young people challenging, stimulating and rewarding careers in Northern Ireland amongst global blue chip companies such as New York Stock Exchange, Citi as well as innovative local companies operating on the world stage. In recent months there have been numerous announcements of hundreds of new computing jobs in Northern Ireland, and the sector is predicted to grow much faster than the general economy.

The IT profession is underpinned by the skills and talent of its workforce and the BringITon campaign was launched as a partnership of industry and government to highlight the opportunities and give guidance to pupils and students to allow them access to these careers. Since its launch applications and enrolments for computing courses across Northern Ireland have surged.

 BringITon brings IT professionals and students together

BringITon activities have included pavilions at the Universities’ Open Days, school visits, well attended regional events all across Northern Ireland and conferences in Belfast and the North West. These events can be viewed and upcoming events can be booked via http://bringitonni.info/teachers-events/ and the main bringitonni.info website contains valuable tools and resources for teachers and students.

The campaign is funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and delivered by e skills UK the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology and Momentum the Northern Ireland ICT federation.

 ICT/STEM Event for 14 to 16 year old pupils BRINGITON

On Friday 15th November, 15 girls from form 4 and 5 attended a careers conference focussed exclusively on today’s dynamic ICT industry. The event was run by Momentum and e-skills UK in conjunction with the Higher Education Academy for Information and Computer Science, the University of Ulster and Queens University.  

The event was highly informative and inspiring.  The girls learned about the skills required for and career opportunities in the ICT sector in Northern Ireland.  They were also given guidance on the selection of appropriate subjects at A level, an insight into computing at university and an appreciation of the diversity of jobs and associated lifestyles available in the ICT sector.

The event had an informal interactive atmosphere with industry ambassadors assigned to each team of girls. There were videos about careers within ICT showing young people employed in the ICT Industry, presentations from key speakers, quizzes and prizes.

We were delighted, when yet again, one of the Strathearn teams won the overall competition for the day; each girl receiving a £10 Amazon voucher.  The team comprised of  Emma McGarrity, Caoimhe Brady, Victoria Wallace, Rachael Thomson, Emma Shaw, Beth Hamill and Rachel Stanfield. 

 BRINGITON ICT Conference for years 13-14

On Friday 5th November, 5 girls from Lower Sixth attended a careers conference in Ashfield Girls’ High School. The aim of the conference was to make pupils aware of the wide range of job opportunities in the ICT industry (one of the fastest growing sectors in Northern Ireland) and encourage them to study an ICT related course at university, leading to a richly rewarding career. The event was run by Momentum and e-skills UK along with the Department for Employment and Learning.

The girls listened to a number of guest speakers including Clare Dillon (a Microsoft Development Evangelist) who talked about how her career path led her to take a job in the ICT sector and her progress to date. She described why she loves the various aspects of her work and the flexible lifestyle it affords her.

Then the girls took part in a number of practical activities aimed at informing pupils of the number and diversity of ICT companies in Northern Ireland and giving them an insight into computing courses available at universities. Johnny Ball (television personality) closed the conference and encouraged the girls to think creatively. They could be the next entrepreneurs of the ICT industry. The top 10 ICT job titles today did not even exist 7 years ago!

It was a very enjoyable and informative day.
 

For further information see the BRINGITONNI website: http://bringitonni.info/