Into the Future

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce premiered the "Into the Future" DVD at St Mary's College. Representatives from many of the local Secondary Schools were present as Jim Sammon, Chamber President outlined the importance of the Education & Skills Agenda, "This Chamber wants to contribute to the delivery of actions that have the potential to benefit our members the most. We are committed to creating confident, creative, skilled and motivated people who are equipped to work in a changing world; whilst contributing economically, socially and culturally to their communities."

The "Into the Future" film was the brain child of local entrepreneur and businessman, Philip O'Doherty. Philip leads the Chamber on issues pertaining to Education & Skills and contributes to the city wide Education Debate as a member of the Education and Skills Sectoral Working Group. Philip said "The Chamber is aligning its efforts with others, we have been looking at education and skills in the context of the City's Regeneration Plan. Our Chamber wants to ensure the provision of the necessary skills required to support entrepreneurial activity suitable for a 21st century economy. And we also see the value of integrating our education and skills provision with the business sector to provide our people with access to work".

Chamber commission this "Into the Future" DVD to support growth and the take-up locally of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths within our local schools. It is also hoped that this short film will help promote Entrepreneurship and to showcase local companies that are performing to world class standards. Marie Lindsay, Principal of St Mary's College welcomed the local voice given to the promotion of STEM. "Our 8th, 9th and 10th year students can really identify and relate to the content of this programme. It is through real business stories, spoken by people living, working and succeeding in Derry- that will highlight Business Opportunities and perhaps offer alternative career choices and encourage young people to think creatively about their futures.

Into the Future" is a short, inspirational and informative film to promote, and provide insight into, the exciting range of STEM careers available in Derry ~ Londonderry.

It focuses on six innovative and successful local companies - 360 Production, E&I Engineering, Singularity, Nuprint, Rural Generation and Darkwater Studios and will be of interest and assistance to teachers of STEM subjects, Computing, IT, Learning for life and Work, Careers and Business Studies.

The resource is suitable for integration into lessons for pupils of all levels and abilities. As all six companies were set up by local people, the film will also promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and hopefully inspire some of the students of today to become the business innovators of tomorrow.