A new training academy will help equip students with the skills needed to take up opportunities in the export sales and marketing industry.
The Export Sales and Marketing Academy is aimed at those who have a minimum HND qualification in any discipline. It will provide an intensive eight-week training programme, with one of the weeks spent in a European Academic Institution. This will be followed by a nine-month temporary work contract with an employer and a potential offer of employment.
Launching the academy were Employment and Learning Minister, Stephen Farry and Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell.
Commenting on the benefits of the academy, Minister Farry said: “Through my department’s Assured Skills initiative, the Academy approach continues to be an excellent example of how my department and Invest NI are working collaboratively to improve the skills of graduates and assist them into employment. Graduates are learning skills that our local employers need and I would encourage any unemployed graduate to consider a career in export sales and marketing.”
The skills requirements were identified by local companies wishing to expand their export sales. The companies taking part in the academy have specific nine-month projects for the academy students to complete as part of their studies.
The training will be delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College with support from the Department for Employment and Learning and Invest NI under the Assured Skills initiative.
MrBell said: “With export growth and innovation acknowledged as key drivers of economic success, initiatives such as the Export Sales and Marketing Academy are vital to Northern Ireland’s future prosperity. The Academy demonstrates how industry and education can work together to identify and address skills gaps through practical training, while providing meaningful placements with which graduates can gain invaluable experience in a work environment.
“Equipping our young people with the relevant export sales and marketing skills is essential in helping our businesses maximise opportunities that exist in international markets.”
Applications to the academy close on Friday, July 24. For more information and to apply, visit http://esma.mindmill. co.uk