Lyons encourages applications to Assured Skills Academy with KPMG

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons is encouraging all those who are eligible to apply for the seventh KPMG Data Engineering Assured Skills Academy.

KPMG Data Engineering Assured Skills Academy

Funded by the Department for the Economy, the Assured Skills Academy, which is open to applications from people with at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline, or a Level 5 qualification in an ICT or STEM related subject, will see 20 participants receive industry-relevant pre-employment training with Belfast Met from 21 November 2022 to 8 February 2023.

Participants who successfully complete the Academy will be guaranteed an interview with KPMG for roles as Data Engineers within their Belfast Centre of Excellence.

Encouraging those who meet the entry criteria to apply, the Minister said:

“As we move into a decade of economic transformation around our 10X Economic Vision, strengthening our local skills base and investing in skills is essential to grow our economy. This Academy provides a great opportunity for suitably qualified individuals to develop an excellent career as a business consultant in a challenging environment and work towards becoming one of the business leaders of tomorrow.

“With no experience needed and a £155 per week training allowance, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a multinational company with an expanding presence in Northern Ireland and I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply.”

Johnny Hanna, Partner in Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland, commented:

“After the success of our other AI and Cyber Security Academies, KPMG are delighted to again offer ambitious graduates in any discipline the opportunity to join our Centre of Excellence and to develop a professional career in the field of Data Engineering. This opportunity will be challenging but equally rewarding to those who have an analytical mindset, an aptitude to solve complex business issues and a desire to succeed in their career.”

The Assured Skills Academy will provide training in areas such as Microsoft Azure and Data Engineering including AZ-900; DP-900 and DP-203; SQL and Capstone.

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said:

“Belfast Met works collaboratively with industry partners and learners to lead the development and delivery of bespoke programmes that support the growth of digital consulting in our region.

“This Academy builds on the success of previous AI Academies that have provided participants with industry relevant skills as well as life-changing employment and career opportunities. We look forward to welcoming and supporting our new cohort of learners who will have the chance to pursue an exciting career with KPMG.”

Applications for the KPMG Data Engineering Assured Skills Academy are open now and close at midnight on Sunday 9 October.

For more information and to apply visit the Assured Skills Academies page on nidirect.

Notes to editors: 

1. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training programme run by the Department for the Economy. More information is available on the Department's website.

2. To keep up to date with news from the Department you can follow us on the following social media channels:

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3. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk

4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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