Students from Cullybackey College, Ballymena Academy, and St. Patrick’s College, alongside Year 1 Level 3 Business students from NRC, explored high-tech professional software and innovative hardware—resources school students don’t typically access in the classroom. This included using a Raspberry Pi to carry out a brute force attack. They also learned about a variety of digital career paths, from cybersecurity and programming to animation.
The event provided students with the chance to interact with some of the most up-to-date industry equipment while also hearing from some of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers. Representatives from leading organisations, including Kainos, Instil, and the RAF, offered valuable insights into the exciting possibilities a career in technology can provide.
Judith Knox, IT and Computing Lecturer at Northern Regional College, said: “This event allows students to see the many opportunities available to them in the digital sector. A career in computing is about much more than sitting behind a desk; there are a wide variety of employers looking for talented, hard-working young people to fill exciting and diverse roles. While Northern Ireland is home to many bright and enthusiastic young people, we need to ensure they have the skills to take full advantage of these career opportunities. At NRC, we’re committed to equipping our students with the skills needed to launch successful, limitless careers.”
Judith added, “It’s essential for school-age students to understand the different career paths available to them and how they can access these opportunities. Their dream job might not follow the traditional route, so we encourage students to consider alternatives such as apprenticeships or HNC or Foundation Degree qualifications to help them reach their goals—and even go beyond what they imagined possible.”