MLA supports new IT course

The course comprises six weeks in college and eight weeks on placement, and was designed by the college with businesses to suit their needs.

“This is exactly the response needed by DEL, colleges and businesses,” said Mr McCrea. “The Department must listen to the needs of business and plan quickly, as well as building on long-term strategies.

“It must be stressed that IT is where the jobs are. It must also be stressed that IT does not just mean software development. People must understand there are many facets other than simply writing code. Understanding the business process is as important as writing code.

“There were twenty successful candidates to this course from over seven hundred applicants,” he continued. “I welcome the Minister’s announcement of another twenty places, however there are still huge deficiencies of people with IT skills in Northern Ireland.”