A programme from Belfast Met is opening doors for underrepresented groups across the city with eight in 10 learners progressing into employment, further or higher education, apprenticeships or onward training, according to figures published today.
According to a social impact report for the Bank of America-sponsored Belfast Digital Skills & Employability Programme, 43% of learners are from areas with the greatest disadvantage. Almost three in 10 are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, while 22% have a declared disability. Almost half (49%) are aged between 16 and 25, while 12% of learners are from newcomer communities, including asylum seekers and refugees.
As well as working to create opportunities for people who are underrepresented in the digital economy, the programme, run through Belfast Met’s Centre for Digital Innovation and Technology (CDIT), aims to address skills gaps, widen access to employment and support a more productive, innovative and inclusive workforce.
Of 400 learners who have completed one of 24 Digital Skills Academies to date, more than four in 10 have gained employment, a fifth (19%) have gone into further education, 14% have moved into apprenticeships or training and 6% have progressed into higher education.
Bank of America’s Fernando Vicario, Country Executive for the UK and CEO of Merrill Lynch International, said: “Belfast and Northern Ireland have established themselves as dynamic centres of innovation, talent and entrepreneurship. The region’s growing technology sector, strong educational institutions and skilled workforce make it an exciting place to invest and support. We have been proud to work alongside organisations that share our commitment to helping people realise their potential.”
Central to the programme is its partnership approach, working with a network of leading employers including Deloitte, EY, Pytilia, FinTrU and Loquerion Security as well as education and community partners like Queen’s and Ulster universities, Cinemagic, and Now Group to design and deliver its Digital Skills Academies.
Damian Duffy, Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast Met, said: “The Belfast Digital Skills & Employability Programme is a powerful example of what can be achieved when education, industry and community organisations unite behind a shared goal.
“Initiatives such as this are central to our ambition to create a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous future for Belfast and the wider region. The programme is also helping to build a pipeline of digital talent for local employers, supporting wider economic growth and productivity. I am immensely proud of what has been achieved and look forward to seeing the programme continue to open doors, nurture talent and transform lives.”
Fernando Vicario added: “The programme’s focus on supporting underrepresented groups is particularly important. By creating inclusive pathways into digital careers for groups including women returning to work, neurodivergent learners, and young people outside education and employment, it is helping broaden access to opportunity and strengthen the region’s future talent pipeline.
“At Bank of America, we are proud to support initiatives such as the Belfast Digital Skills & Employability Programme. By working together, we can help equip people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, while contributing to inclusive growth and a more resilient economy for Northern Ireland.”
The programme’s social impact report was launched last week (Oct 15) at an event at Belfast’s Ormeau Labs with input from Bank of America, partner organisations Deloitte and Danske Bank as well as former learner Yulia Davydenko and her employer at digital marketing agency Yellow Zest.
To find out more visit belfastmet.ac.uk/support-for-business/digitalskills