Smart Futures, a national careers campaign and website (www.smartfutures.ie) sponsored by industry companies such as Microsoft, Ericsson, SAP, HP and Cisco was launched on 12th December 2011. Aimed at second-level students in Ireland, the campaign is designed to highlight the vast number of diverse and interesting opportunities for young people in the technology sector.
Smart Futures Competition ad MetroThe ‘online careers fair’, is being co-ordinated by ICT Ireland, the Irish Software Association and STEPS to Engineering with the support of Discover Science and Engineering. The project is designed to highlight that for many young people a qualification in technology can be a gateway to an exciting career
The first part of the campaign kicked off last week with a nation-wide competition asking students to create a piece of digital content reflecting the theme ‘Smart Futures’. Throw in some great prizes including laptops, Xbox Kinect, iPad, home cinemas and smart phones and even work experience with top technology companies in Ireland, such as the Xbox Games Studio, and there is no reason for students to be bored this Christmas!
Paul Sweetman, Director of ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association said: "Five of the top ten exporters in Ireland are technology companies, and the sector is responsible for approximately one third of Ireland's total turnover. So for Ireland’s future economic growth supporting the technology sector is crucial. A key competitive advantage Ireland possesses, which is continually referenced by technology companies, is the quality and quantity of skilled graduates available to work within the sector. In order to maintain and enhance this competitive advantage, industry and government must work together to highlight the great opportunities for sustainable and rewarding careers in the technology sector. Since January of this year, over 80 jobs a week have been announced in the sector. The 'Smart Futures Online Careers Fair' will play a leading role in highlighting these opportunities to students and parents."
There are eight categories to enter: Animation, Audio, Game, Mobile App, Podcast, Tech Article, Video and Website. The deadline for entry is Friday 27th January 2012 and a full outline of competition categories, prizes and sponsors can be found on www.smartfutures.ie
On the 23rd January 2012 a week-long careers fair will take place on the website. It will be hosted by Technology professionals from participating companies who will be available each evening to answer career-related questions from students and guidance counsellors. The site will also show company profile pages to give an overview of what these companies do, what kind of roles they have requirements for, what skill sets they are searching for and what it’s like to work there.
Follow the Smart Futures campaign at:
www.twitter.com/SmartFuturesIE
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