Hi-tech industries open their doors to Principals

Four leading science and technology industries in the North West have come together to invite post-primary Principals and Head of Careers to visit their premises and see first-hand how modern hi-tech industries operate.

Philip O'Doherty, MD of E&I Engineering and initiator of the event, commented: "This event developed from discussions we had been having on Education and Skills within the Chamber of Commerce and Ilex. We feel it is important that we help demystify our industries and show what a wide range of interesting careers is available in this field".

The event, which will take place on Thursday 1 October, will involve structured visits to Nuprint Technologies Ltd., Seagate, E&I Engineering and Singularity and discussions with the leaders of those industries.

School Employer Connections (formerly FOSEC) is managing the event. Director Máire Gallagher remarked: "This event will offer industry leaders and senior educationalists a rare opportunity to come together and explore how best to promote science and technology careers to post-primary students. Both groups have identified this as a priority and it will be useful for everyone to be able to compare perspectives".

Janice Tracey, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce in Derry added: "As an end result we are looking for more young people studying the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. This is about giving those adults who are advising young people the information they need to assure their students that some brilliant careers are out there for those that take up these subjects. The high level of interest from schools is indicative that this critical school employer connection needs to be made. We are fortunate to have an organisation such as School Employer Connections (formerly FOSEC) working so intensely with the schools and we are happy to endorse this work to our members. With the involvement of our colleagues in the Strabane schools and Strabane Chamber, this really is a NW joined up event."