In a year in which many companies are still finding it tough, over 200 graduates are celebrating this year after gaining employment in the IT industry with Allstate NI. 121 of the graduates have been employed through the Bridge to Employment non-IT graduate programme, inconjunction with the Department of Employment and Learning. A further 80 IT graduates were recruited by the company this year.
Not only do these graduates get their first foot on the career ladder but they also receive a competitive salary and benefits with the opportunity to progress within the company quite quickly. With many graduates finding it difficult to gain employment in the current economic climate, Allstate is bringing much needed jobs to Belfast, L'Derry and Strabane. It doesn't stop there, Allstate also advocates for the IT industry in general, visiting schools, colleges and universities to promote the sector.
Bro McFerran, Managing Director said
"We are very lucky with the amount of talented young people we have in Northern Ireland, sadly however many of them are studying degrees in subjects where there are few, if any, job prospects. It's important that everyone, government departments, careers advisors, lecturers and teachers and perhaps more importantly parents, educate their children on the types of jobs with real futures in Northern Ireland. Nearly every IT company is crying out for skilled professionals and we could attract more jobs and more companies to Northern Ireland if we could encourage more of our young people to study IT qualifications."
Clara McFall, who studied English at Degree level, currently works as a Project Manager at Allstate said
"Prior to joining Allstate NI in April 2012 on the Bridge to Employment Course, I was working part-time as a hotel receptionist. With little ICT knowledge, I began training in Software Development, progressing on to Project Management within three weeks. At the end of six weeks, I was offered a permanent position within Allstate NI as a Project Manager. I love my job and everything that comes with it; I couldn't have wished for better trainers or mentors who have helped me every step of the way. I currently have responsibility over 5 projects across 3 sites and, although somewhat challenging, it is also thoroughly enjoyable."
Allstate NI is currently recruiting and has over 30 opportunities on its website for IT professionals as well as entry level positions for IT graduates. For further information visit www.allstate.com/allstatenorthernireland.
