13 November 2017
Innovation Matters to help students develop tech skills for the future
Bank of Ireland UK today launched Innovation Matters, a new programme that will provide a wide range of free initiatives and resources to schools throughout Northern Ireland to help prepare students for life in a technology transformed world.
The programme has been developed by Bank of Ireland UK in partnership with leading organisations aimed at teachers and students to enhance skills needed for the technological revolution that is fundamentally altering the way we live, work, and relate to one another.
William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI at Bank of Ireland UK, said: “In this era of technological transformation, we are committed to playing our part in helping to develop the capability and skills of our young people to ensure they are equipped for the working world of the future.
“We have partnered with organisations and companies at the leading edge of technology to bring these valuable resources into schools that will help to develop and nurture vital skills for their future and the future prosperity of Northern Ireland.”
The first initiative to be rolled out under the new programme is the result of a partnership between Bank of Ireland UK, MakeMatic and several leading technology companies including Allstate, Kainos and Liberty IT.
Together, we have created over 12 hours of bite-sized professional learning videos that will cover a range of topics including coding skills, 3D printing and virtual reality and will be available to 1,000 primary and post primary teachers and therefore 30,000 students across Northern Ireland.
William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI at Bank of Ireland UK, said: “With a combination of bite sized videos and practical activities, we hope this initiative will help to inspire young people, nurture new skills and develop the talents of the next generation.”
Schools can gain free access to the MakeMatic bite sized professional learning videos by registering at www.makematic.com/boi
Justin Edwards, CEO at CCEA, said: “We are all aware at the pace with which technology is changing our society and economy. CCEA supports industry engaging in the education system to make positive change to the teaching and learning of technology.”
Other components within the Innovation Matters programme include the Junk Kouture Fashion and Arts Competition, the Young Enterprise tech programme where students have the chance to set up and run their own tech company, and Generation Innovation which increases young people’s awareness of future careers as innovators. For more information about Innovation Matters visit: www.bankofirelanduk.com/im
Photo caption: William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI, Bank of Ireland UK and Justin Edwards, CEO at CCEA and the launch of “Innovation Matters”
For more information, please contact Smarts Communicate:
Rachel Sinton
rachel.sinton@smartscommunicate.com
Hannah Irwin
Hannah.irwin@smartscommunicate.com
0044 28 9039 5500
Notes to editors
Northern Ireland Skills Barometer Report 2017 – According to the Northern Ireland Skills Barometer Report 2017, it is estimated that the economy will require an additional 400 Engineering & Technology graduates and a similar number of additional Maths & Computer Science graduates each year to 2026. Demand for students proficient in STEM related subjects is expected.