Dodds announces two skills initiatives in response to the pandemic
Economy Minister Diane Dodds today announced a free skills programme for small businesses and a free post-graduate certificate in software development for people whose career has been impacted by Covid-19.
The Skills Focus programme, available for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, is now offering free upskilling for staff, including those who are furloughed. The 25% cost to businesses has been removed, until 31 March 2021, to support companies throughout the pandemic. The courses, with accredited qualifications, are delivered by the local further education colleges.
The Minister also confirmed 100 fully funded places for a part-time postgraduate certificate (PgCert) in software development with Queens University Belfast. The part-time course, starting in late May, is open to people whose careers have been impacted by the pandemic and who have a 2:2 degree in any non-computing subject or appropriate work experience.
The postgraduate certificate in software development is a part-time course running from late May to December 2020. There is also the option of accelerated learning to finish in September and progress directly into Year 2 of study on the full MSc in Software Development, complete the Masters in Sept 2021 and enter graduate-level roles (software engineer, analyst, etc.).
The part-time PgCert is open to those who have been furloughed, lost their job, economically inactive or are self-employed and lost their income because of the pandemic. Applicants must either hold a 2:2 degree in any non-computing subject or have appropriate work experience.
All applicants must have access to a computer and internet connection and will be required to complete a short online aptitude test.
The two measures represent an investment of around 500,000.
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