Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council supports students to develop digital skills
Tue, October 05, 2021
‘Digital Youth’, a technology programme for post-primary school pupils, will be delivered throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland during this academic year.
The programme was recently launched by the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes, at Limavady Grammar School. The Council and charity have worked together in partnership to support young people through the Digital Youth programme in the Borough since 2018. The aim of the Digital Youth Programme is to inform young people of the employment and entrepreneurial potential of the sector as well as equipping them to understand how to develop their aptitudes and skills, alongside fuelling their ambitions to start a digital enterprise in the sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor said “I am delighted that local young people are once again getting the opportunity, through our Digital Youth Programme, to learn about career opportunities in the digital sector and develop key skills which will enable them to consider this career path.”
Despite Covid restrictions, almost 1,200 pupils got involved last year when they were able to participate online. The programme demonstrates examples of current digital technology including virtual & augmented reality among other new and emerging technologies. Local digital ambassadors work with the students to tell their personal stories of how they got into the industry, actively engaging and encouraging students to consider a career in the Digital Tech sector.
For teachers and schools, the Council is providing important support to bring awareness of digital careers into the classroom. Teacher, Peter McDaid of Dominican College, explains, “It is such as important year for pupils in terms of GCSE choices and Digital Youth presents ICT / Digital Technology in such a positive and inspiring way”.
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Young Enterprise NI Chief Executive said, “Young people are growing up surrounded by digital technology, and it’s vital we support them to understand how they apply these tools into the world of work to become the digital specialists that businesses need. The programme is open to all schools in the area and the top student companies from each school will come together at the final to showcase their learning gained through the programme and compete to become the Digital Youth Company of the year for the area”.
“We would advise all those interested to sign up straight away. It’s a popular programme and we have more and more schools participating every year. We would also ask Digital Ambassadors and successful business people in the local area to get in touch if they are interested in mentoring and sharing their own experiences with our young students.”
For more information on how to register your school contact programmes@yeni.co.uk.
