Mallon Technology has joined forces with 8 other companies in Mid Ulster, the North West and North Antrim in a unique collaboration to launch Career Encode an Earn as you Learn Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing for school leavers.
Career Encode
Career Encode is believed to be the first time that a group of companies in Northern Ireland have ever pooled their resources independently to increase the supply of IT professionals.
Working in collaboration with Northern Regional College, the 9 companies will offer jobs to local school leavers and career changers, enabling them to get an internationally recognised Foundation Degree accredited by Ulster University in the process. Along with Mallon Technology, the 8 other participating companies include Specialist Joinery Group, FP McCann, Bloc Blinds, CDE Global, Acorn IT Solution, Spatialest, Randox and SDC Trailers.
Explaining the need for such an innovative approach to plugging a skills gap in the region, Camilla Long, the independent facilitator on behalf of the nine companies explains; “8 in 10 businesses currently trying to recruit new staff are facing major challenges in doing so according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey published by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. Information Communications Technology is a key sector with vacancies in the regional economy.”
“Technology underpins each one of the participating companies’ success. In the current climate they are finding it increasingly difficult to find the right skills in their local area. As a result, they have effectively taken steps to develop their own labour force via this innovative Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing.
Launch Event
The launch event takes place on Friday 9th November at Specialist Joinery Group in Maghera, where Mallon Technology will be represented by David McQuillan, Products & Services Manager, Ruairi O’Neill, Software Team Leader and Clive Knipe, Software Developer. As a recent graduate, Clive will be delivering a presentation outlining how the new Career Encode scheme will benefit school leavers and how he has developed since joining Mallon Technology.
Applying for Career Encode
The Northern Regional College is now accepting applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2019. Young people can apply online through the college website and is open to school leavers in 2019 or those considering a career change into ICT. Applicants must be aged 18 on or before 1 July 2019.
If you enjoy problem solving, like being part of a team, have great focus, are creative and enjoy subjects like maths, science, ICT and digital technology, then this apprenticeship is for you! In addition to gaining skills in ICT and software development, the Earn as you Learn Higher Level Apprenticeship offers a number of other benefits to young people.
Successful applicants will gain an internationally recognised Foundation Degree without having to pay university fees or run up student debt. They will also get a full salary and are able to learn on the job with experienced professional mentors in each of the participating companies.
Mallon Technology & Career Encode
Speaking about Mallon Technology’s involvement with Career Encode, David McQuillan stated; “IT is very important to Mallon Technology and underpins our success. A Career Encode applicant can expect to work in an exciting, fast–paced and ever–changing environment as we constantly push boundaries for our clients.”
If you would be interested in joining Mallon Technology on a Higher Level Apprenticeship, check out the websites of Career Encode & Northern Regional College for further course details, qualifying criteria & information on how to apply.
