A jobs announcement by the IT company, Kainos, demonstrates the importance of “delivering first class coding and IT skills in Northern Ireland”, according to the Conservative party’s Strangford Westminster candidate, Johnny Andrews. The Belfast based firm today announced that it will create 403 new posts.
“First of all the company deserves huge congratulations for its successes and this expansion, which is due to winning a number of big contracts”, Johnny said. “Northern Ireland’s hi-tech industry has enormous potential and, if we’re to see more stories like Kainos, we need to make sure we’re providing the skills which businesses need, in order to be competitive. That means prioritising STEM subjects in schools and colleges, teaching coding and IT skills from a young age and explaining to young people how these industries offer brilliant career opportunities.”
“While reforms in England have improved the delivery of IT skills, unfortunately Northern Ireland has fallen behind. It’s a matter of having a joined-up, coherent approach across institutions. We need to have these skills as part of the curriculum, from primary school up, we need to be producing graduates in IT based subjects and we need up to date careers advice, explaining the importance of expanding hi-tech industries, rather than always pushing young people toward traditional professions. It will take a culture shift to really ensure that we keep seeing the type of good news stories announced today by Kainos.”