Kick start a new career in the tech sector at open information night in Ballincollig
UNEMPLOYED people seeking to kick start a new career in the tech sector have been invited to attend an information seminar taking place in Ballincollig next Tuesday evening about an innovative new up-skilling programme.
Software Skillnet, the national training network for the software technology sector, is behind the aptly named ‘ KickSTART’, a programme run in conjunction with Corkbased virtualisation experts VMWare, and cyber-security firm Varonis.
The purpose of the programme is to train unemployed people from diverse backgrounds for open roles in technology companies. Since being introduced it has been an unqualified success with more than 90 per cent of participants being offered jobs within a month of completing training.
Software Skillnet director Marie Hunt said that while the language of tech jobs can often be daunting, the reality is that people from all backgrounds can thrive in the sector – even if they have no experience of working in a technology environment.
“Technology companies value people skills, creativity and the ability to solve problems, but often find these attributes difficult to source,” said Ms Hunt.
“This programme offers high-quality training, certification and work experience free to people who are currently unemployed. Even candidates with no prior experience in the sector are invited to apply for the intensive 15-week programme,” she added.
Ms Hunt said that participants will gain new skills and qualifications that are in high demand across the tech sector. The programme runs on company sites and includes work experience through being paired with experienced staff, offering insider experience.
“More than 300 people, including former teachers, travel agents and builders who have completed the programme are now excelling in international careers with VMWare and Varonis as technical support engineers, IT analysts, project managers, solutions engineers, IT sales associates and systems operations engineers,” she said.
“If you have people skills, are creative and love loving problems, the tech sector wants you.”
The next KickSTART programme will get underway in Cork next month with Tuesday’s information evening, which will take place from 6pm at the VMWare HQ in Ballincollig, an opportunity for people to hear more about the course, how to apply and available jobs.
“With the right training and support, almost anyone can join the tech sector. KickSTART gives job seekers and graduates from all areas a fast track route into the industry,” said Ms Hunt.
John Dolan of VMWare said programmes such as KickSTART have proved to be crucial when accessing the right skills for the company.
“We’ve had archaeologists and clarinet players who have done the course and gone on to have very successful careers with us.”
Ofir Ronen of Varonis said they have positions ready to fill.
“We welcome people from all backgrounds who can bring their unique skillset to the team,” he said.
For more information about the initiative visit www.softwareskillnet.ie.