Press Release

e-skills UK releases new research on Northern Ireland's ICT labour and skills

15 May 2009

e-skills UK has released new research on ICT skills in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland ICT Snapshot is the first dedicated source of information about changes in the demand and supply of ICT labour and skills in Northern Ireland.

The research forms part of the ICT Action Plan, a collaborative programme of activity involving Momentum (the Northern Ireland ICT Trade Federation), Invest Northern Ireland, the Department for Employment and Learning and e-skills UK.

Welcoming the report, Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey said:
"The ICT Snapshot will help us better identify, understand and respond to the skills needs of this critical sector. I am particularly pleased that even in the current environment, the survey has shown a continuing demand for IT graduates and that a third of companies surveyed expect to recruit IT professionals over the next 6 months."

To help meet continued demand for IT graduates, e-skills UK is working with partners in Northern Ireland on the 'BringITOn' campaign, aimed at encouraging 14-19 year olds to consider technology-related education and careers. BringITOn is fronted by a website featuring interactive tools including a "did you know?" quiz and video profiles of IT professionals, to illustrate the diversity of the sector and show how rewarding a career in IT can be.

To view a copy of the report, please visit www.e-skills.com/ni/snapshot.