Software development and food safety initiatives to boost local economy
02/08/2012
Local skill shortages in both the Food Safety and Software Development sectors were addressed recently by Queens University Belfast, when it announced exciting new plans that will help boost the Northern Ireland economy.
This has been made possible by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry, who has just committed additional funding to these critically important sectors.
The new MSc in Software Development at the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences was also endorsed by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster who said: This is great news for Northern Ireland and the economy as it will address the current shortage of software developers here. We know that an increase in the number of software developers available in Northern Ireland is an attraction for companies considering investing here.
The course which starts in September 2012 has already seen strong interest from non-IT graduates, with over 50 being offered a place. Selection onto the programme is via a rigorous industry endorsed selection process. The welcome financial support from DEL has allowed the School to put in place additional measures that will enhance the overall student experience and employment opportunities for graduates of the programme.
John Healy, Director and Head of Technology Citi, said: "It is vital to international companies like Citi that we have a world-class University on our doorstep providing quality graduates equipped with the skills we need. The launch of the MSc in Software Development demonstrates Queen's is listening to employers, and by doing this is ensuring global companies such as ours will continue to invest in Northern Ireland."
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