4 July 2001

UNEMPLOYED EQUIPPED FOR FUTURE IT NEEDS - FARREN

"The Information Communications Technology sector has a significant role to play in the continuing regeneration of the Northern Ireland economy, despite recent difficulties," the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, Dr Sean Farren said today, as he presented certificates to 14 people who have just been offered jobs at Northbrook Technology Ltd.

He continued by saying: "Northbrook Technology is a very progressive company and one of the fastest growing IT companies in Northern Ireland. I am particularly pleased that the company has used the Bridge to Employment programme to help in its recruitment of IT professionals."

The latest 14 recruits had been unemployed graduates whose university degrees were in subjects other than Information Technology. They have just completed 20 weeks training in Software Development through the Bridge to Employment programme in conjunction with Northbrook Technology.

This was the second time the company had used the Bridge to Employment programme to recruit IT professionals, having recruited 11 graduates with similar backgrounds last year. <

The Minister congratulated the "graduates" on their achievements and said: "Your successful completion of the training and subsequent offers of employment at Northbrook are proof of your commitment to developing a career in Information Technology and I wish you every success in that career.

"I am also pleased that Northbrook Technology is already implementing a third Bridge to Employment programme to recruit a further 12 graduates as part of its ongoing expansion plans. It is a very positive approach in developing its own skill base."

Media enquiries to Kevin Mulhern, Press Office, telephone 028 9025 7790 or mobile 07799 711523

NOTES TO EDITORS

Northbrook Technology, part of the US Allstate Group of Companies, which is the largest privately held insurance company in America, currently employs 250 IT professionals and intends to grow to 350 staff by the end of 2001.

Bridge to Employment

The Bridge to Employment Programme was developed by the Training & Employment Agency and launched in May 1997. The main objective of the Programme is to provide customised training courses to equip unemployed and, in particular, long-term unemployed people with the skills necessary to compete for new employment opportunities on an equal basis with others.