Business First May-June 2017 Business First May 2017 | Page 49

in the past six months."
Other businesses have reported a total of
13 new jobs created in production,
manufacturing and digital marketing to meet
the increased demand for products and
services. They have also developed new skills
and improved knowledge base that has
allowed existing staff to perform better in
their daily jobs.
For further information on how to take part
in either of these programmes visit
http://optimise2.com/
Digital Youth Programme
Council is also keen to develop the skills of
young people entering the workforce
ensuring that they have the tech skills needed
by businesses to compete and drive
productivity and growth across the Borough.
Their new Digital Youth programme
encourages and cultivates a digital enterprise
culture in the region where over 500 students
from 12 secondary schools will develop a
stronger foundation in digital skills.
‘Digital Youth’ will improve students’
knowledge and understanding of digital
technology and widen their career prospects
beyond traditional sectors.
Speaking at the recent launch at St
Catherine’s Armagh, Lord Mayor Councillor
Garath Keating, said: “The digital economy is
the single most important driver of
innovation, competitiveness and growth. It
holds huge potential for young people who
work in this sector as well as businesses that
take full advantage of new opportunities.
Through this programme, we will help
harness young people’s entrepreneurial drive
as well as equip them with specific digital
skills that are increasingly sought after by
employers. 'Digital Youth’ will help hundreds
of young people move into employment and
put them on the path to future job success.”
Delivered by Young Enterprise NI, students
compete for work placements in local digital
businesses learning from experienced local
Digital Ambassadors.
Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive with
Young Enterprise NI said: “We commend the
Council for supporting the education system
application of their digital literacy.
“Many young people have no experience of
applying digital skills in the workplace and
don’t always realise the growing significance
of this to employers across a range of sectors.
This programme will equip them with the
skills they need to develop a bright future in
whatever industry they choose.”
Students with strong interests and
aptitudes in entrepreneurship are also
encouraged to explore the idea of setting up a
digital business of their own in the future.
Digital DNA Conference
In order to deliver these transformative
programmes Council has partnered with key
stakeholders in the Digi sector including
sector champion, Digital DNA.
As one of the sponsors for this year’s Digital
DNA Conference taking place on the 6th­7th June
in Belfast’s St. Georges Market, Council is
delivering a session on how successful their drive
within the digital sector has been for business.
in the development of young people and the
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