Dodds announces remote learning Assured Skills Academy

Date published: 27 March 2020

Twenty people with degrees will benefit from training by Ulster University to prepare them for a career in financial services. Completing the training guarantees an interview for a role at local financial services company FinTrU.

All recruitment for the Academy will be by telephone and video calls, while the training for participants will be delivered fully remotely to comply with social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis. These conditions also apply to any subsequent employment with FinTrU until such time as social distancing restrictions can be lifted.

Highlighting the opportunity, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said:

"I am greatly heartened that this Assured Skills Academy is proceeding in the midst of the current crisis, giving 20 people with degrees the opportunity to learn valuable skills and potentially gain employment.

“FinTrU and Ulster University have worked very hard in conjunction with DfE officials to ensure that this Academy can be delivered to successful applicants. The current social distancing rules are central to all of our lives and this is an excellent example of business and higher education working together to provide innovative technological solutions.

“I encourage those with a 2:2 degree in any subject, who would like to kick-start a career in financial services, to apply for this Assured Skills Academy.”

Sinead Carville, Chief Human Resources Officer at FinTrU, said: “This is undoubtedly a challenging time, but we are encouraged by the preparations put in by the team here at FinTrU, DfE and Ulster University to deliver these opportunities.

“This Academy will be delivered fully remotely to ensure that the health and safety of all applicants is at the forefront while also presenting a fantastic opportunity for those embarking on their professional journey or looking for a change in career in an exciting industry. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the world’s largest investment banks from right here in Belfast.”

The Academy will start on 11 May and last for three weeks.

Michael Pogue, Senior Lecturer in Financial Services at Ulster University Business School, added: “Ulster University is pleased to be in a position to deliver this Assured Skills Academy during this difficult time. Making use of the latest remote learning technology, we will ensure participants in the Academy gain the knowledge and skills they need to put them in a strong position to enter the field of financial services.”

Applications for the FinTrU Assured Skills Academy are open until 17 April 2020. No experience is required but applicants must hold a 2:2 degree or better in any discipline.

For more information and to apply visit nidirect Assued Skills.