Murphy announces Data and Analytics Assured Skills Academy

Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced an Assured Skills Data and Analytics Academy with EY, providing 20 high quality training places.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this exciting Academy will provide successful applicants with practical experience, the opportunity to gain industry recognised qualifications and access to resources to develop business knowledge and technical skills in data analysis.

Commenting on the Academy, the Minister said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to gain the skills and knowledge to make them industry-ready for a career in Data and Analytics. Assured Skills Academies have a proven track record in upskilling participants, making them well placed to be competitive in the labour market.  

“This is the fifth academy in partnership with EY, supporting their growth plans of 1,000 new jobs in the north over the next five years. With a weekly training allowance of £175 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel costs and childcare, I encourage all who are interested and eligible to apply.”

Rob Heron, Managing Partner, EY Northern Ireland, said: “EY Northern Ireland is excited to be working with Invest Northern Ireland and the Department for the Economy to launch this Data and Analytics Academy. This will be the fifth EY academy to be delivered within the last year. The four academies already delivered played a key role in helping EY NI meet our strategic target of 1,000 new jobs. 

“Through the academies, we are attracting a diverse range of employees in terms of culture, background, skillset and knowledge, including those returning to work, just left university or looking for a career change. We are hoping that this latest academy will continue to attract employees into the business to support our clients.”

The eight-week intensive training programme will be delivered by South Eastern Regional College at the SPACE Campus, Bangor combining both onsite and online learning and covering topics such as SQL, Power BI, Python and Microsoft Azure. Successful academy participants will be guaranteed an interview with EY Northern Ireland on completion of the training.

Tommy Martin, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of SERC, commented: “SERC is delighted to be partnering with EY and DfE on this Assured Skills Academy Programme in Data and Analytics. This is an opportunity for candidates to develop skills and gain qualifications in this dynamic field. This Academy is enabling SERC to further fulfil our commitment to supporting economic growth across Northern Ireland, and candidates will be well supported on their exciting journey ahead.”

Training will commence on Monday 11 November 2024 and finish on Friday 17 January 2025. Applicants must be available to attend full time, in person for the duration of the training period. 

Experience is not required but applicants must be at least 18 or over; hold an honours degree in any subject; be eligible to work in the UK and have appropriate IT access to link to the online tuition.

Applications for the Data and Analytics Assured Skills Academy are open until noon on Monday 7 October 2024. To find out more and apply, visit nidirect