Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry today encouraged young people across Northern Ireland to consider a career in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to mark National ICT day.

Two “Bring IT On” conferences to encourage 16-19 year olds to consider a career in ICT, will be held on the 28 February in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast and on the 29 February in the Millennium Forum, Londonderry. These are organised by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology, in conjunction with Momentum, the ICT Federation for Northern Ireland, Invest NI and the Department for Employment and Learning.

Speaking ahead of the planned events the Minister said: “These events will demonstrate the exciting opportunities that a career in ICT can offer in order to attract more young people into this sector. ICT is a growth sector of the future and it affects every aspect of our lives - not just through the things we use every day like our mobile phones, social media channels and computers but it's vital in so many other sectors, such as engineering and medicine.

“To grow our economy we need to ensure our local workforce has the right skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). My Department is working with e-skills to highlight potential careers paths so that our young people may consider jobs which they wouldn't otherwise have done.

“I have also set up an ICT Working Group to examine the skills required by the industry so we can facilitate its growth in recognition of this sector as a key driver in the local economy.”

The conferences will promote a career in ICT to young people through inspirational speakers, online quizzes, exhibition areas and various other activities.