The ICT Ireland Skillnet, Dublin Institute of Technology and Ericsson have launched a new intensive master’s degree programme in applied software technology aimed at students and unemployed people.
The degree, which also offers full-time employment with Ericsson upon satisfactory completion, is free to students and people out of work.
It’s supported by Skillnet through its Job Seekers Support Programme funded by the National Training Fund through the Department of Skills and Education. Skillnet is an enterprise-led support body which aims to enhance the skills of people within the Irish industry to support competitiveness and employability.
Candidates should have graduated from disciplines such as computer science, software engineering, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering or data networking. Other applicants with a discipline with ‘significant content’ in maths, problem solving, logic and critical thinking will also be considered.
They should also have a 2.1 honours degree in this discipline, though lower grades will be considered. Entry is restricted to Irish or EEA nationals who are not currently in employment.
“As well as the opportunity to gain an MSc with additional technical training, students will also obtain unrivalled work experience,” said Paul Sweetman, director of ICT Ireland.
“On satisfactory completion, participants will take up a full-time and permanent position with Ericsson whose Product Development Unit in Athlone specialises in the provision of operations support systems (OSS) to telecom operators using advanced data and event management and visualisation techniques,” he said.
Sweetman noted that more than 4,000 ICT jobs were announced in 2011 and the sector employs more than 84,000 people.
“Many of these jobs require skills that are tested through international accreditations which are recognised across the software sector.” said Sweetman.
“The ICT Ireland Skillnet programme will provide both graduates and those looking to change career with an intensive skills development opportunity, as well as testing the skills they learn over the course of their studies in a professional working environment,” he said.
The programme will commence in September 2012. Applications can be emailed to susan.kelly@ictirelandskillnet.org.
