Recruitment boost for IT graduates - graduate jobs

Research shows a third of IT companies in Northern Ireland expect to recruit over the next six months offering new hope to job seeking graduates.

Employment and Learning minister Sir Reg Empey revealed the findings of a report into the future of ICT skills in Northern Ireland.

Sir Reg said: "I am particularly pleased that even in the current environment the survey has shown a continuing demand for IT graduates and that a third of companies surveyed expect to recruit IT professionals over the next six months."

The report also shows that the innovation sector continues to show its resilience with nearly two thirds (64%) planning to develop new services to overcome the current economic downturn.

A further 53% questioned said they are already developing new products.

He said that despite the challenges facing the sector, recent job announcements by companies such as Intune Networks increase optimism for the industry and graduates looking for work.

Sir Reg said: "It is particularly encouraging that the key reason for the company's decision to locate the jobs in Northern Ireland was the pool of specialist latent available to them."