Economy Minister Dr has announced 40
training places on two Digital Skills Assured Skills Academies
with digital transformation company Version 1.
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, the Academies
have been developed in partnership with Belfast Met and will
allow the successful applicants to develop their IT skillsets and
earn industry-recognised qualifications.
Participants who successfully complete the eight-week Academy
will be guaranteed an interview for a job role with Version 1 in
Belfast.
Encouraging applications the Minister said: “This is an
excellent opportunity to develop new skills and open a valuable
pathway into software or digital engineering. Through the
provision of cutting-edge training on the latest technologies,
delivered by Belfast Met, successful applicants can upskill or
reskill with industry-recognised qualifications for a career in
this exciting sector.
“I would urge anyone who meets the eligibility criteria
and is interested in a career within software or digital
engineering to apply.”
Lorna McAdoo, Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG)
& Northern Ireland, Version 1, commented: “We are privileged
to be partnering once again with the Department for the Economy
and Belfast Met to deliver two new Assured Skills Academies.
These Academies have been instrumental in supporting our growth
in Northern Ireland, providing a pipeline of talented individuals
who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our teams. We're
focused on continuing to invest in local skills and helping shape
the future of digital services in the region.”
Participants in the Version 1 Digital Skills Academies will study
for industry recognised accreditation and skills in areas such as
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Cisco Introduction to
Cybersecurity and Java.
Damian Duffy, Interim Principal and Chief Executive at Belfast
Metropolitan College said: “Belfast Met is delighted to be
continuing its collaboration with Version 1. These two new
DfE-funded Academies will offer participants the chance to
develop in-demand skills in areas such as cloud, software and AI.
These fields are critical in strengthening the regional skills
base and supporting the continued growth of Northern Ireland's
digital economy.
“Our excellent teaching teams will provide hands-on,
industry-aligned training that prepares participants for exciting
new career pathways. We look forward to welcoming the new cohorts
and seeing them benefit from the opportunities this partnership
provides.”
Experience is not required but applicants must be at least 18
years old and hold at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a
level 5 qualification in a relevant STEM subject at the point of
application.
Training will be delivered using a hybrid approach, with onsite
learning at a Belfast Met campus combined with some virtual
classes.
Training for the first academy will commence on 19 January 2026
and complete on 13 March 2026 with a proposed employment start
date of 16 March 2026.
The second academy will commence on 2 February 2026 and complete
on the 27 March 2026 with a proposed employment start date of 30
March 2026.
Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £180 for
the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel and
childcare costs.
Applications are open now and close at noon on Friday 14 November
2025.
For more information and details on how to apply visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
Notes to editors:
1. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by
the Department for the Economy. More information on Assured
Skills is available at www.economy-ni.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies
