Economy Minister Gordon Lyons today announced a new Assured Skills Academy with PwC, offering 20 high-quality training places.

Focusing on technology, the Assured Skills Academy is open to people with a Level 5 qualification and relevant experience, or a 2:2 degree in any discipline.

Successful applicants receive nine weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met. Participants who complete the training have the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications and are guaranteed an interview for a role with PwC.

The Minister said:
"I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with PwC and Belfast Met. This is an excellent opportunity for people to join the largest firm of professional advisors in Northern Ireland.

"Developing the local skills base is a key element of our economic recovery. Assured Skills Academies have a very strong track record of success in upskilling people and helping them secure employment."

The Minister added:
"Successful applicants to the Academy will receive Pound 155 per week training allowance and travel expenses while they train. They will also be guaranteed an interview with PwC in Belfast on completion of the training. I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

Deborah Stevenson, PwC Operate's Operations and People Director, said: "This is the 19th Academy we will run in collaboration with Belfast Met and the Department for the Economy. We never cease to be impressed by the quality of the candidates who apply.

"It's also incredibly rewarding to see careers develop for those who have successfully been offered positions with PwC after they've completed their Academies. Our business is undoubtedly benefiting from the rich and diverse experiences of people who have taken a leap of faith and participated in the Academies.

"Coming from Northern Ireland myself, I am equally proud we have access to the Academies - they make us distinct from other parts of the UK and show the level of commitment and investment in building talent fit for a growing market."

The Assured Skills Academy will cover a range of areas including Technology, Compliance Testing, Customer Management, PMO Services and Business Operations. Training will be a blend of onsite and online learning delivered by Belfast Met. Successful applicants will require appropriate IT access in order to link to the online tuition.

Louise Warde Hunter, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met, said: "Belfast Met is proud to be a skills engine for our economy and we are delighted to continue to deliver this successful series of Assured Skills Academies. This programme will provide vital jobs in growth sectors, equipping learners, driving innovation and transforming lives by providing a vital stepping stone for participants into great careers.

"We look forward to continuing to deliver this DfE programme in partnership with PwC and to welcoming our new cohort of learners."

Applications for the PwC Technology Assured Skills Academy are open until noon on 24 January 2022.

The selection process will include a video interview. Interviews will be held 1-3 February 2022. Training will commence for successful applicants on Monday 21 February 2022.

Applicants must hold a Level 5 qualification (HND or Foundation degree) and some experience in an office/banking/professional environment, or a minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline.

More information and details on how to apply are available on nidirect