ICT Action Plan

The ICT industry in Northern Ireland is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth - the number of jobs in the ICT sector here is increasing at over 3 times the overall rate of employment growth. But to support the continued success of this important sector, Northern Ireland needs more people to choose to work in this exciting industry.

The biggest area of growth within the ICT sector in NI is the software industry. This high value, fast moving part of our economy in particular requires an increasing number of people to make the decision to study relevant courses at college and university, and to go on to take up jobs in the sector.

But the reality is somewhat different. While an increasing number of software professional jobs are being created, there are fewer graduates currently completing degrees in computer science / software engineering subjects and therefore being in a position to take up these employment opportunities. The growth in demand for these graduates is not being matched with adequate supply. There are also fewer young people and adults enrolling in computer science and related subjects at higher education level, and so unless action is taken it would appear that the decline is set to continue.

Over the past 12 months, DEL has been working with a range of stakeholders through the Future Skills Action Group for ICT to develop a plan of action to address these skills needs. The Department, in conjunction with Invest NI external link, e-skills external link and Momentum external link have produced this plan, which contains a series of short term interventions designed to help reverse the decline and raise awareness of what a career in ICT can offer. The plan is available by clicking on this link ICT Future Skills Action Plan

If you would like more information on the ICT Action Plan, please mailto: successthroughskills external link