Are you concerned about the mounting costs associated with university as well as the uncertain career prospects after graduating? Fear not – South West College is proud to announce its new and exciting GOLD Apprenticeship ICT programme, including Microsoft Certification, in conjunction with a number of IT companies province wide.

Commencing mid-September 2012, this programme is open to students who have completed A Levels/BTEC who are interested in pursuing a career within IT.

12% of all companies and 14% of ICT companies in Northern Ireland have vacancies for one or more ICT professionals. Technical skills most commonly sought in new recruits include: SQL, .NET, Java, C#, C++, CAD, SQL Server, Unix, ASP and HTML.

“It is through innovative initiatives like SWC’s ‘Gold Apprenticeship for ICT’ that companies can partner with educational organisations to meet the skills shortage that hinder growth and innovation. Microsoft is proud to be working with South West College to ensure every student has the opportunity to enhance their specialist skills in ICT that will surely lead to gainful and exciting career opportunities”.

Tom Jackson Microsoft Education Business and Programme Manager NI

Tell me more…

Applications are welcome from those who hold 6-8 GCSEs including English, Maths and 2 A Levels or equivalent; The programme lasts 2 years during which you will be in paid employment, receiving mentoring support and first class training from South West College and your host company; You will gain practical experience and academic qualifications including Level 4 NVQ in Professional Competence for IT and Level 4 HNC in Computing and Systems Development and Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist (MCTS). At the conclusion of this programme there is a view to progressing to HND or degree level. I like the sound of that…

Get in touch with emma.mccracken@swc.ac.uk or 0845 603 1881 ext. 3696 to receive an application form.

Have a look on http://www.swc.ac.uk/ict-gold.aspx