Bring IT On visits South West College

Last Thursday saw the Bring IT On road show arrive at South West College, Omagh. The programme, aimed at increasing the number of students planning to study for a career in IT, is now entering its 4th year and is proving popular with students and teachers throughout NI. 

The event is aimed at capturing the imagination of students through interactive presentations, putting the spotlight on the rewarding careers available within the IT profession in NI.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and debate the opportunities within the industry, and understand better what employers are looking for in successful applicants.  By engaging directly with these learners, the programme aims to

• Increase the number of learners considering studying IT related degrees at 3^rd level
• Increase the number of teachers who feel  confident delivering information about IT careers within schools and colleges

Speaking at the event, aimed at 14-19 year olds at South West College, Carol McConville, Project Manager for e-skills UK said, ‘Northern Ireland needs a strong skills base in IT, to meet the growing demand for IT professionals from local companies. Direct school engagement events are a great way to promote IT and the exciting and rewarding careers available in the sector.  Bring IT On is specially designed to inspire and inform learners about the opportunities that exist in NI’s fastest growing industry’. 

Since its launch in 2008 the Bring IT On programme has delivered a range of online and offline programmes that engage with learners and teachers and have had a remarkable impact:  more than 60,000 unique hits to www.bringitonni.info; and employer-led careers information provided to over 24,000 learners and 280 ICT staff. 

Andrea McElroy, a lecturer in IT at South West College, said the presentation was “very informative – students got a lot out of the talk”. Johnny Murphy, a student at SWC commented that “the presentation was powerful, inspiring and it changed my whole view”.

Delivering the Bring IT On message directly to schools is part of the wider Bring IT On programme of activities – an initiative led by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, in partnership with Momentum, The ICT Federation for Northern Ireland, InvestNI and the Department for Employment and Learning. 

For more information on the Bring IT On programme and to get involved with this exciting initiative please see www.bringitonni.info or email carol.mcconville@e-skills.com