Dodds announces 20 training places

The Assured Skills Academy will offer a four-week intensive online training course to develop core skills for the business services sector. Participants who complete the training are guaranteed an interview for a role at FinTrU’s NW Centre of Excellence.

Highlighting the opportunity, the Minister said: “FinTrU is a successful business services provider and a major employer in the north west. This Assured Skills Academy offers people with degrees the opportunity to position themselves strongly for a career in what is an exciting and fast-paced sector.

“I encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, and who is interested, to apply.”

The Minister added: “Skills development has a key role to play in the economic recovery. I am keen to bring forward as many initiatives in this sector as possible, to offer training opportunities to people to help boost their career chances.

“Assured Skills Academies have a track record of success in securing employment for those who complete them and my officials are continuing to work hard to bring through more Academies in the near future.”

Greg McCann, Executive Director and Head of FinTrU North West, said: “Whether you have recently graduated or wish to change career to an exciting industry, the FinTrU North West Financial Services Academy is a brilliant opportunity. No previous experience is required.

“2020 has seen FinTrU hire 300 people which included graduates from multiple Financial Services Academies. These opportunities offer a fantastic avenue for anyone looking for a fast paced and rewarding career in the Financial Services and FinTech industries. Successful applicants will work alongside some of the world’s largest investment banks from right here in the north west. We are looking for those who are ambitious and want to perform on the global investment banking stage to apply for this opportunity with FinTrU.”

The online training course will be delivered by North West Regional College and Ulster University.

Sinead Hawkins, Business Skills Manager at North West Regional College, said: “We are delighted to continue working with FinTrU to deliver the new online academy model. These academies are supporting the financial services industry and are providing quality job opportunities. At this time of economic downturn these academies provide hope and career direction for many individuals.”

Michael Pogue, Senior Lecturer in Financial Services at Ulster University Business School, added: “Ulster University, alongside partners FinTrU, the Department for the Economy and North West Regional College, have worked together to combine further education and industry expertise to create more opportunities for graduates in the north west and a vital skills pipeline to support the growing fintech industry in Northern Ireland.

“There is an extremely high level of talent in the area and the Assured Skills Academy has been formulated to ensure by the end of the course, participants will be newly equipped with industry-relevant skills and the knowledge to help them secure employment amid the current economic climate.”

Applications for the FinTrU North West Assured Skills Academy are open until December 18. No experience is required but applicants must hold a 2:2 degree or better in any discipline.

Telephone interviews will be held January 11-15 2021. Those who progress to the second stage will have a video interview conducted 18-21 January. Training will start on February 1 2021.

For more information and to apply visit: www.nidirect.gov.uk/assured-skills

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