Publication date:
The Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, is encouraging all qualified people to apply to EY's AI and Data Assurance Skills Academy.
Funded by the Department for the Economy, the Academy is an intensive eight-week training program delivered by Belfast Metropolitan University. The 20 successful candidates will work to develop in-demand skills in areas such as AI, cloud and data fundamentals, data management, data visualization, and business analytics.
Participants who successfully complete the academy are guaranteed a job interview with EY.
Encouraging eligible individuals to apply, the Minister said: “This latest academy with EY and Belfast Metropolitan University provides an exciting opportunity to gain coveted skills and gain an industry-recognized qualification.”
“Assured Skills Academy has a very strong track record of success in improving people’s skills and expanding the local skills base, which is a key element of economic growth.
“We encourage all interested and qualified candidates to apply for this opportunity, with training allowances of £180 per week, as well as travel and childcare funding available.”
Rob Herron, EY Northern Ireland Managing Partner, said: “EY is delighted to be collaborating with the Department for the Economy and Belfast Metropolitan University on this AI and Data Assurance Skills Academy. “As a result, demand for AI and data expertise is rapidly increasing and this program provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to gain industry-recognized skills essential to the future of AI and data assurance.” EY is committed to helping people develop careers in technology and this academy is an important step in developing the skills needed for Northern Ireland's development. ”
Commenting on the launch, Belfast Metropolitan University's Interim Principal and Chief Executive, Damian Duffy, said: “We are proud to further strengthen our long-standing partnership with EY and the Department for the Economy through this new Assured Skills Academy. Developing advanced digital capabilities is at the heart of Belfast Metropolitan University's strategy and critical to meeting the region's future skills needs.”
“This program provides participants with industry-recognized training that supports advancement into high-quality employment while strengthening employers’ digital talent pipelines. We remain committed to delivering innovative learning that drives inclusive economic growth and enables individuals to reach their full potential.”
Applications are now open and close at noon on Monday, January 19, 2026.
The information session will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, and interviews will be held from Tuesday, February 3 to Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age, have at least a foundation degree in a subject at the time of application, and have the right to work and secure skills training in the UK at the time of application, and must not be disqualified from any status on the basis of their immigration status. You must prove this status to proceed to the interview.
For more information and how to apply, please visit the nidirect website.
Note to editors:
1. Assured Skills is a pre-employment training program run by the Ministry of Economy. For more information, please visit the Ministry's website.
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