As well as the practical workshops, the event included a series of talks by guest speakers to create greater industry awareness and give attendees an insight into current employment opportunities in the computing sector. Contributors included Sapphire Duffy, a Community Manager with Women Who Code and former Graduate Software Engineer with Kainos, Susan Moody, PSNI Cyber Unit, and Dr Ian Cleland, senior Computing lecturer at Ulster University leading in the area of digital health.
Former student, Darren Workman, owner of iTek, and apprentice David McCartney delivered practical sessions on how to identify and fix faults in monitors and hard drives (part of what they do every day as a local electronics and computer repair business), designed to help pupils develop their problem-solving skills and understand what a career in the industry might entail.”
Judith Knox, IT lecturer at Northern Regional College, said: “‘Bring IT On’ was an ideal opportunity to showcase the Computer Science and Coding courses at the College. We offer Computing and Creative Technology at Level 2, Computing at Level 3, and Higher Nationals in Computing across Level 4 Certificate and Level 5 Diploma, which can allow progression to either university or employment.
Judith said that education in the area of computing has changed considerably even compared to a few years ago, as there are now so many alternative pathways available: “Visiting students and their teachers were surprised to learn that the Computing courses at Northern Regional College feed directly into Computing degree courses at top universities in the UK and that they can be an ideal way to progress from A-Level or equivalent standard of education.
“The College offers multiple progression pathways and students have access to diverse and up-to-date technology. Our courses are taught by lecturers with industrial experience and other learning providers are often envious of the content we can deliver and the excellent practical and useful experience our Level 2 and 3 students can get.”
She continued: “Level 4 and Level 5 Computing courses can be completed on a part-time basis and many students are able to claim bursaries to cover the cost of fees so they can come away without any student debt, compared to their peers who go directly to university.
“Northern Ireland has a diverse and growing computing sector with many exciting opportunities and there are plenty of employers who are looking for bright, hard-working and well-trained young people to fill really exciting roles. The courses we offer at the College will equip them with the right skills to fulfil these emerging roles. Computing is one of the few sectors where demand outstrips supply and many very well-paid roles remain unfilled. There isn’t an industry that can function now without computing or IT skills, which only makes the demand for our students with Computing qualifications ever growing.”
Judith added: “It is important that young people have all the relevant information about available career paths so they can make informed choices. We would encourage them to consider all of their options as there are so many different pathways to success. The Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing for example is another option that allows young people to ‘earn as they learn’ and get a professional qualification without the burden of student debt.”
Rachel Donnelly, who teaches Digital Technologies St Colm’s High School in Draperstown, attended the event with her Year 12 pupils. She said it gave a great insight into the different careers available in the sector.
“It was also an opportunity for our pupils to work on professional standard software,” she said, adding how impressed she was by the confidence and knowledge displayed by the College students delivering the workshops.
Photography taken in accordance with Covid-19 guidance. Attendees at ‘Bring IT On’ were socially distanced and masks were worn and only removed for photographs.