Recruitment partnership launched to boost skills pipeline

eir Business NI, one of Northern Ireland’s leading telecoms and technology companies, has joined forces with The Open University to provide local students with development and learning opportunities.

As part of a recruitment partnership with the University, eir Business NI is providing students with skilled work placement opportunities. The paid placements allow students to gain technical expertise and key insights on telecoms trends and advancements while availing of additional mentorship and learning opportunities. Successful candidates are also considered for permanent positions and eir Business NI has already appointed two Open University students to Service Desk and Service Reporting Analyst roles within the business.

Highlighting the need for such partnerships,  Darren Lemon,General Manager, eir Business NI explains:

“Northern Ireland is fast approaching a technology talent deficit. With an additional 15,000 jobs expected to be added to the sector by 2020, it’s crucial we nurture and develop the talent we have to ensure students are ready for a career in the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology. With a pool of almost 4,000 students in Northern Ireland – over a third of which are studying STEM courses – The Open University is a perfect recruitment partner. We are keen to play our role in developing the talent pipeline of tomorrow and so will continue to work with local educational providers to offer work placements, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.”

John D’Arcy, National Director, The Open University added:

“We are delighted to launch this recruitment partnership with eir Business NI. As a highly respected, innovative company, it can offer our students a practical hands-on learning experience – leaving them in good stead to further develop a career in the industry. With an average age of 30, nearly three quarters of our students fit their studies around jobs making them self-motivated and dedicated, with a strong work ethic – ideal candidates for our leading, local businesses.”