Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced 20 high quality training places in the Software Engineering Assured Skills Academy and encouraged all who are eligible and interested to apply now.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, the Academy will see 20 participants receive 10 weeks of industry-relevant training with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) at their Bangor campus in areas such as Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Logic Apps, SQL, Programming Fundamentals and Business Skills to provide the skills and experience required to take up exciting positions with ASOS.

Encouraging applications, the Minister said: "I am very pleased to announce this Assured Skills Academy with ASOS and South Eastern Regional College. ASOS needs individuals with specialist skills in order to provide their global fashion and cosmetic retail service and this is a fantastic opportunity for 20 people to receive high quality training that will position them strongly for a Software Engineering post with the company.

"I am committed to building the local skills base as a key part of our economic recovery and my Department's Assured Skills Academies have a proven track record of success in this area by equipping participants with the skills employers need in order to flourish and grow, and this has been particularly true in the digital and tech fields.

"With an allowance of Pound 155 per week while training, the jobs on offer are high quality and I would encourage anyone who is interested and eligible to apply for this Assured Skills Academy."

Participants who complete the course will be guaranteed a job interview with ASOS, although successful completion of the Academy is not a guarantee of gaining employment.

Cliff Cohen, Chief Technology Officer, ASOS, said: "We've continued to see a really high level of talent across our Northern Ireland recruitment and in our two Assured Skills Academy cohorts, reflective of Belfast's talented and vibrant digital workforce. We're committed to supporting and fostering that talent as we embark on our next phase of growth and are excited to welcome our third round of participants to the Assured Skills Academy very soon."

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive of SERC, commented: "SERC is very proud to be the knowledge provider, working with ASOS to deliver this latest Assured Skills Academy. I would recommend this route to all those eligible to apply as it ensures that students' skills match those needed by employers, offering real career opportunities whilst helping contribute to NI economic growth."

Whilst no previous experience is required applicants for the Academy must:

• be at least 18 years old
• be eligible to work full-time in the UK
• have a passion for technology and a desire to work in a fast paced, innovative environment

Applications for the Software Engineering Assured Skills Academy are open now and close at midnight on Friday 10 June.

For more information and to apply, visit the Assured Skills Academies page.