Belfast technology company Kainos is creating a virtual work experience to make sure young people in Northern Ireland don’t miss out as a result of lockdown and movement restrictions.
It is offering 1,000 work placement opportunities and said it welcomes applications from students aged between 14 and 19 years’ old who will be able to take advantage of live, interactive and virtual career experiences.
The move follows a partnership with Northern Ireland-based School Employer Connections and the UK-wide charity Speakers for Schools which both work with employers to open their virtual doors to young people.
Gemma Crothers, Social Responsibility Manager at Kainos, said the company is excited about growing the potential of the young people of Northern Ireland.
“Whilst we adapt to COVID-safe working, we must not sacrifice young people’s access to career experiences. We are delighted to partner with School Employer Connections and Speakers for Schools to equip today's young people with the digital literacy and critical thinking skills that our future economy will so desperately need.”
Owen Crozier, Manager of School Employer Connections, said the last year has put a stop to many work experience programmes. He called on other employers to follow Kainos’s lead.
“Employers in Northern Ireland now have the opportunity to repair some of the damage that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to young people’s prospects,” he said. “School Employer Connections alongside Speakers for Schools have significant experience in this field and will offer full support to any employer who’s prepared to step up and help out.”
